What is Electroconvulsive Therapy?
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a physical treatment used for a range of mental illnesses. ECT was introduced in 1938 and has since undergone dramatic changes so that modern ECT no longer resembles the early treatment often portrayed in the media. Historically, ECT was given without anesthesia and for conditions that would not be suitable for ECT treatment today. Modern ECT treatment involves stimulating the brain, using a carefully controlled current to induce a seizure while the patient is unconscious, under a short acting general anesthetic and muscle relaxant.
How does an ECT work?
Patients get a general anesthetic. Once unconscious they are given a muscle relaxant and a mouth guard is put between their teeth. Their blood pressure, blood oxygen, heart rate and brain activity are monitored continuously. A clinician then applies one electrode to each temple, and an electrical current is applied for up to eight seconds to trigger a seizure – which generally lasts between 20 and 40 seconds.
Why Biosonic EC200I ECT Machine?
- Pulse width modulation with 5 stage access
- Frequency modulation with 5 stage access
- Time access upto 5 steps
- Power output shown in joules
- Parameters live display.