The aim of this study is to investigate effect of enflurane that is a pro-convulsive anesthetic agent and propofol on seizure durations and recovery times during electroconvulsive therapy.
Methods: The subjects were divided into two groups according to the induction anesthetics. Anesthesia was induced with enflurane 5% in group E or propofol 1.2 mg x kg(-1) in group P. After the loss of consciousness, 0.5 mg x kg(-1) of succinylcholine was given. The patients maintained normocapnia.
Results: There were no significant differences between groups regarding seizure times. Recovery times were shorter in group E, but postictal agitation was significantly lower in propofol group.
Discussion: High incidence of spike activity on EEG and grand mal seizure patterns could be induced by enflurane. But motor and EEG seizure times were not prolonged by enflurane in the presence normocapnia. In conclusion, propofol is more suitable anesthetic agent for ECT, but enflurane might be preferred in patients because of rapid recovery.