Treatment-resistant postictal agitation after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) controlled with dexmedetomidine

J ECT. 2013 Jun;29(2):e18. doi: 10.1097/YCT.0b013e3182717610.

Abstract

Emergence agitation is a common complication of electroconvulsive therapy. Standard supportive and pharmacological interventions are usually effective management strategies. We report a case of severe agitation after electroconvulsive therapy that was refractory to the usual treatments but was controlled with dexmedetomidine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists / therapeutic use*
  • Aged
  • Anesthesia
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / complications
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / therapy
  • Dexmedetomidine / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Resistance
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / therapeutic use*
  • Psychomotor Agitation / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Adrenergic alpha-Agonists
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives
  • Dexmedetomidine