The threshold number of pulses in bilateral and unilateral ECT.
Using a low-energy brief-pulse stimulus, the threshold number-of-pulses required to produce a bilaterally manifested tonic-clonic seizure with unilateral and bilateral electrode placement was investigated. Unilateral placement required significantly fewer pulses; bilateral placement resulted in greater post-ictal confusion with no apparent advantage in clinical efficacy. A possible explanation in terms of intracerebral current density is proposed.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003221:Confusion / Q000209:etiology; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology*