ECT: what happens during treatment

WEAVE FAMILY, ONE PAGE

ECT: WHAT HAPPENS DURING TREATMENT

You are asleep, protected and monitored.

'I thought I would be awake.'

IN INDIA: ECT must be given with anaesthesia and a muscle relaxant.

1 BEFORE: The team checks your health, medicines, preparation and anaesthesia safety. Ask questions.

2 ASLEEP: Anaesthesia makes you sleep. You get oxygen and a muscle relaxant. The team monitors you.

3 BRIEF TREATMENT: A brief electrical pulse causes a controlled seizure. Your body stays still and protected.

4 RECOVERY: Staff stay as you wake. They check your body, memory and awareness.

A DECISION YOU UNDERSTAND: The team explains why ECT is suggested, likely benefits, memory and anaesthetic risks, alternatives, and what may happen without it.

BEFORE TREATMENT: Tell them about health problems, allergies, dental problems and every medicine. Follow preparation instructions exactly. Ask whom to call about memory, side effects or changing your mind.

FAMILY: With permission, note questions, aftercare and memory changes. Never pressure, ridicule, sign without authority or break the anaesthesia plan.

CALL THE ECT SERVICE SOON: Confusion that lasts; major memory change; severe headache; new nerve or movement symptoms.

CALL 112 OR EMERGENCY NOW: Collapse; a seizure after leaving; severe breathing trouble; severe chest pain; immediate danger. Tele-MANAS 14416 / 1800-89-14416.

Dr. Wilfred D'souza, Dr. Niharika Reddy. weave.clinic/family