Neuromodulation Services | TMS at Pine Rest
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Our trained staff can help determine if ECT or TMS is right for you. Call us today. 616.281.6341
Electroconvulsive Therapy
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a long-established, safe and effective treatment for the debilitating symptoms of depression, mania, schizoaffective disorder and dementia complicated by an underlying mood disorder.
Sometimes patients choose ECT because it is their treatment preference. Others because they have a history of poor medication response, a history of good ECT response, are sensitive to medication side effects or in cases where rapid response is required.
ECT involves the use of a brief seizure within the brain. This activity causes biochemical changes that may help decrease symptoms or even cause them to stop. The results of ECT can be seen more quickly than the results of medications.
For each treatment, the patient is given a short acting anesthetic and a muscle relaxer. Once the patient is asleep, a brief electrical stimulus is used to induce a seizure, typically lasting 30-60 seconds. The seizure activity is very minimal due to the use of the muscle relaxer. It is the seizure activity that causes chemical changes in the brain which helps patients get better.
Pine Rest has been providing ECT for over 50 years with the most current technology and safety. This clinic enables individuals who suffer from various mental health problems to receive ECT without requiring a hospital stay.
Pine Rest offers ECT at the Neuromodulation Clinic – ECT/TMS.
To schedule an appointment for you or a patient, or for more information, call 616.281.6341.