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ECT for Catatonia in Schizencephaly
Jennifer Puthota1, Andrew Francis2, Neel Madan3,4
1Department of Psychiatry, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA.
The Journal of ECT
|November 5, 2025
Summary
This case report details the successful electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatment for catatonia in a 51-year-old female with schizencephaly. This represents a novel approach for managing this rare brain malformation and its associated psychiatric conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
- Medical Genetics
Background:
- Schizencephaly is a rare congenital brain malformation characterized by clefts in the cerebral cortex.
- Associated medical comorbidities include neurological deficits, developmental delays, seizures, and psychiatric disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first known case of successful electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for catatonia in a patient with schizencephaly.
- To highlight the considerations for utilizing ECT in patients with this rare brain malformation.
Main Methods:
- A case report of a 51-year-old female diagnosed with schizencephaly.
- Description of the patient's development of catatonia and subsequent treatment with ECT.
- Multidisciplinary approach involving neurology and internal medicine.
Main Results:
- The patient with schizencephaly experienced successful treatment of catatonia using ECT.
- The case demonstrates the feasibility and efficacy of ECT in this specific patient population.
Conclusions:
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be a safe and effective treatment for catatonia in individuals with schizencephaly.
- A comprehensive risk-benefit analysis and a multidisciplinary team are crucial for managing ECT in patients with complex neurological conditions like schizencephaly.
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