A case of atypical absence seizures after electroconvulsive treatment in a patient with treatment-resistant depression

Clin EEG Neurosci. 2013 Jan;44(1):62-9. doi: 10.1177/1550059412452674. Epub 2012 Dec 17.

Abstract

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been used to treat severe treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. Multiple psychotropic medications are usually prescribed in high doses prior to or concomitantly with ECT. Little is known about the interaction of ECT with psychotropic medications. ECT is known to induce seizures, but its tendency to induce absence seizures is not. We present a case of a 44-year-old female, on multiple psychotropic medications, who had frequent atypical absence seizures for many days after ECT. Electroencephalography (EEG) confirmed atypical absence seizures by the presence of typical 2.5 to 3 Hz generalized sharp and slow waves with disorganized background activity.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / therapy*
  • Drug Resistance
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Electroencephalography*
  • Epilepsy, Absence / etiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use
  • Status Epilepticus / etiology*

Substances

  • Psychotropic Drugs