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Updated: May 19, 2026

Pupillary Response as Assessment of Effective Seizure Induction by Electroconvulsive Therapy
Published on: April 11, 2019
Catatonia associated with hyponatremia treated with electroconvulsive therapy
Sandeep Grover1, Vijay Kattharaghatta Girigowda, Munish Aggarwal
1Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. drsandeepg2002@yahoo.com
Catatonia associated with hyponatremia and adrenal insufficiency was treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). ECT proved effective in improving the patient's catatonic symptoms when other treatments failed.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Catatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome linked to diverse medical conditions.
- Hyponatremia and adrenal insufficiency are systemic issues that can manifest with neurological symptoms.
Observation:
- A 48-year-old woman presented with catatonia.
- Investigations revealed persistent hyponatremia and adrenal insufficiency.
Findings:
- Standard treatments including hyponatremia correction and lorazepam were ineffective for her catatonia.
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) led to significant improvement in catatonic symptoms.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential of ECT in managing catatonia secondary to endocrine and electrolyte imbalances.
- Highlights the importance of a thorough systemic workup for unexplained catatonia.
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