Cognitive impairment and memory loss are the side effects that give ECT the worst stigma. Immediately following Sacramento ECT, patients report a period of confusion that lasts several minutes to several hours – occasionally several days. Patients may also have trouble remembering events that occurred prior to treatment. These lapses in memory occur because the shock affects the hippocampus region of the brain that stores memories, but over time, the vast majority of people regain their memories and full cognition back.
Patients who have considered Sacramento ECT should take a look at Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation first. The procedure is similar to Sacramento ECT in that it a brain stimulation therapy. However, instead of inducing a seizure in the entire brain with direct electrical current, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation uses a magnetic field to delivers electrical currents to the brain to excite neuronal activity and restore one’s natural chemical balance and feeling of wellbeing. However, TMS is different than Sacramento ECT in several key ways:
- The electrical currents are more mild, below the seizure thresholdThere are no electrical currents applied to the brain or body and no seizures are induced
- No anesthesia, hospital stays, injections, sedation or IVs are necessary. Patients can drive to and from treatments by themselves.
- No anesthesia, hospital stays, injections, sedation or IVs are necessary. Patients can drive to and from treatments by themselves.
- The Tonly possible side effect is a slight headache and there is no memory loss or impairment, post-treatment confusion or care required.