Successful use of left-unilateral electroconvulsive therapy in a right-handed male.
This case report details the use of left-unilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) chosen for this right-handed male for medical reasons outlined in the article. Continuation/maintenance ECT was extended for approximately 1 year from the beginning of Index ECT. He responded well to the index series and continued to respond to the follow-up ECT. His Hamilton Depression Rating scores were close to remission 4 weeks after the last ECT. His Mini-Mental Status Examination scores were essentially unchanged comparing pre-ECT and post-ECT scores. The literature on left-unilateral ECT is reviewed. Earlier reports reported more negative cognitive effects with left-unilateral ECT compared with right-unilateral ECT. The most recent series indicated efficacy for both right and left-unilateral ECT but with faster improvement, especially from the third to sixth ECT for the left-unilateral procedure. There is some support for using left-unilateral ECT because it appears to have less negative cognitive effect than bilateral ECT. This case supports the efficacy of left-unilateral ECT without adverse cognitive changes.
Warnell
Ronald L
RL
Loma Linda University, CA 92354, USA. rwarnell@ahs.llumc.edu
D000368:Aged; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy*; D004565:Electroconvulsive Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D007839:Functional Laterality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008609:Mental Status Schedule; D016896:Treatment Outcome