Management of severe postictal agitation after electroconvulsive therapy with bispectrum electroencephalogram index monitoring: a case report

J ECT. 2012 Jun;28(2):e9-10. doi: 10.1097/YCT.0b013e31823d2fef.

Abstract

Postictal agitation (PIA) with possible severe implications occurs in approximately 10% of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) sessions. The pathomechanism is not well understood, and suggested treatments are empirical based. We report a case of repetitive (47/57 sessions [83%]) severe PIA after ECT in a case with severe depression. If the minimal bispectrum EEG index (BIS) value, meaning the deepest level of sedation of the thiopental narcosis dropped below 50, PIA occurred in only 9.1%. Bispectral index (BIS) monitoring made prediction and prevention of PIA possible to some degree. Postictal agitation might occur in vulnerable patients when initial depth of anesthesia is too light.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Letter

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anesthesia
  • Anesthetics, Dissociative
  • Consciousness Monitors*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / complications
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / therapy
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Etomidate
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / administration & dosage
  • Ketamine
  • Psychomotor Agitation / etiology*
  • Psychomotor Agitation / therapy*
  • Thiopental / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Anesthetics, Dissociative
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Ketamine
  • Thiopental
  • Etomidate