The Safety of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Patients With Implanted Deep Brain Stimulators: A Review of the Literature and Case Report

Safety of electroconvulsive therapy in the context of physiological and medical complexity: A state-of-the art review

Medical contraindications and complications pose challenges for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Most published reports are scattered across various physiological systems and individual disease conditions. This review aimed to evaluate the literature on physiological and medical complexities during ECT and discuss risk mitigation strategies in a comprehensive review. We searched PubMed and Embase for contraindications and precautions during ECT with relevant MeSH terms and appraised previous reviews on the same topic. The results suggest that mortality directly attributed to ECT is extremely rare. Instances of fatalities, including fetal deaths, have been reported after ECT in the presence of recent myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis, intracranial aneurysm and tumors, pheochromocytoma, sepsis, and pregnancy. However, there are no definite conclusions or consensus on attributions of the outcomes to ECT in all cases because of the time lag between the treatment and deaths and confounding factors. The risks can be mitigated with safety protocols, adequate stakeholder communication, collaboration with anesthetists and specialists, consultation-liaison services, and ECT education. Overall, ECT remains a relatively safe treatment even in the presence of medical and physiological complexities. In rare instances, certain medical conditions may indicate a high risk for ECT, where practitioners avoid the treatment or administer it with precautions if the risk-benefit ratio favors its use.

Combined Pimavanserin and Maintenance Electroconvulsive Therapy: A Novel Approach to Parkinson's Disease Psychosis

Parkinson's disease (PD) is among the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP) is a potential psychiatric manifestation of PD that is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The treatment of PD with concomitant PDP is challenging as standard-of-care medication to improve motor symptoms can cause or exacerbate PDP. In this case report, we present an atypical presentation of a 70-year-old female who developed PDP only four years after her initial PD diagnosis, much earlier than the established average. Treatment was particularly complex as her PDP symptoms were refractory to PD medication reduction and oral antipsychotics, yet her PD motor symptoms were well controlled with a deep brain stimulator (DBS). We discuss a combination of pimavanserin and maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a safe and efficacious treatment modality which has led to remission of her PDP while DBS continues to provide adequate management of her PD symptoms. This case improves upon the early recognition of PDP and outlines a unique treatment modality not well described in the literature. This is the only case that demonstrates the efficacy of combining pimavanserin and ECT for refractory PDP in a patient with a DBS.

Perioperative and anesthetic considerations for the management of neuromodulation systems

The use of neuromodulation systems is increasing for the treatment of various pathologies ranging from movement disorders to urinary incontinence to chronic pain syndromes. While the type of neuromodulation devices varies, they are largely categorized as intracranial (eg, deep brain stimulation), neuraxial (eg, spinal cord stimulation, dorsal root ganglion stimulation, and intrathecal drug delivery systems), or peripheral (eg, sacral nerve stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation) systems. Given the increasing prevalence of these systems in the overall population, it is important for anesthesiologists, surgeons, and the perioperative healthcare team to familiarize themselves with these systems and their unique perioperative considerations. In this review, we explore and highlight the various neuromodulation systems, their general perioperative considerations, and notable special circumstances for perioperative management.

Efficacy of Electroconvulsive Therapy for the Treatment of Movement Disorders: A Literature Review

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe and effective treatment modality for various psychiatric disorders. However, evidence suggests a putative role of ECT in treating movement disorders that are refractory to less invasive modalities. ECT is primarily used in treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders. However, growing evidence exists for its use in movement disorders with and without psychiatric comorbidity.

The primary objective of this systematic review was to examine the efficacy of ECT as a primary treatment modality for movement disorders. Relevant, peer-reviewed publications were retrieved from PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. Keywords related to ECT and movement disorders were used as search phrases to identify relevant articles. A total of 90 articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in this review. Core findings were subsequently appraised on the role of ECT in treating movement disorders.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria were developed to guide the search and selection process. Sources that met the inclusion criteria were those published between 2001 and January 2023. Additionally, peer-reviewed journals published in the English language covering the role of ECT in movement disorders were deemed appropriate for inclusion. Sources published before 2001, written in a non-English language, and not from peer-reviewed journals were excluded from this systematic review. The exclusion criteria also entailed eliminating duplicates from the review list.

Most reviewed sources revealed that ECT improved outcomes in symptoms associated with various movement symptoms. However, ECT does not have a long-lasting impact on neuroacanthocytosis symptoms. Additionally, ECT is negatively associated with aggression and agitation, two of the most critical movement symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Evidence affirms the efficacy of ECT in providing symptomatic relief for movement disorders aside from psychiatric comorbidities. This positive association highlights the need for randomized controlled studies to identify movement disorder sub-populations that may respond to ECT.

Contemporary Anesthetic Evaluation and Management for Electroconvulsive Therapy

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment most often used in patients with severe major depression that has not responded to other treatments. ECT is also indicated for patients with other severe psychiatric conditions, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders, catatonia, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Contemporary "modified ECT" involves inducing general anesthesia with neuromuscular blockade before inducing the therapeutic seizure. The goal of this review is to combine an evidence-based update with the experience of the author's institution to provide a practical approach to anesthetic care for the patient undergoing ECT.

Efficacy and Safety of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Patients With Deep Brain Stimulation: Literature Review, Case Report for Patient With Essential Tremor, and Practical Recommendations

AIM

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has proven to be an effective therapy of some treatment-resistant psychiatric disorders and movement disorders. Comorbid depressive symptoms are common and difficult to manage. Treatment with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be required. There are few published cases describing the safety and efficacy of ECT for patients with DBS implants, and there are no available guidelines for administration of ECT in patients with DBS and mood disorders. The current study had 3 aims: (i) to conduct a systematic review of case reports on patients with DBS implants who received ECT; (ii) to report the case of a 69-year-old man with a DBS implant for essential tremor, who required ECT; and (iii) to provide practical recommendations for ECT in patients with DBS implants.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review, in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, of existing case reports on patients with DBS implants administered ECT for psychiatric disorders.

RESULTS

Our search yielded 25 cases of ECT in patients implanted with DBS systems. In addition, we here describe successful ECT management of major depressive disorder in a patient treated by DBS. We also set forth ECT management guidelines based on points of consensus. The 2 most important practical recommendations are to make sure the DBS system is set to 0 V and turned off before ECT, and to avoid sites near the DBS electrodes.

CONCLUSIONS

Electroconvulsive therapy may be an effective and safe treatment for DBS patients with MDD.

A Review Electroconvulsive Therapy in Cochlear Implant Patients

ABSTRACT

The use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in cochlear implant (CI) users is debatable. Currently, no consensus statement exists about the safety for the patients and the implants. Here, we present a summary of the existing literature on ECT in CI users, consisting of 4 case reports and a cadaveric study. No harm to the patients or the CIs was reported. Based on our review, we have found no evidence to indicate that ECT in CI users is contraindicated.

Anesthesia for deep brain stimulation: an update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a rapidly expanding surgical modality for the treatment of patients with movement disorders. Its ability to be adjusted, titrated, and optimized over time has given it a significant advantage over traditional more invasive surgical procedures. Therefore, the success and popularity of this procedure have led to the discovery of new indications and therapeutic targets as well as advances in surgical techniques. The aim of this review is to highlight the important updates in DBS surgery and to exam the anesthesiologist's role in providing optimal clinical management.

RECENT FINDINGS

New therapeutic indications have a significant implication on perioperative anesthesia management. In addition, new technologies like frameless stereotaxy and intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging to guide electrode placement have altered the need for intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring and hence increased the use of general anesthesia. With an expanding number of patients undergoing DBS implantation, patients with preexisting DBS increasingly require anesthesia for unrelated surgery and the anesthesiologist must be aware of the considerations for perioperative management of these devices and potential complications.

SUMMARY

DBS will continue to grow and evolve requiring adaptation and modification to the anesthetic management of these patients.

Transcranial Motor Evoked Potential Monitoring in a Patient With a Deep Brain Stimulator: A Case Report

SUMMARY

A major complication of surgical scoliosis correction is permanent injury of the spinal cord. Intraoperative neuromonitoring continually evaluates spinal cord function through monitoring sensory and corticospinal motor tracts. There is no literature or manufacturer recommendation on whether transcranial motor evoked potential (tcMEP) monitoring can be performed safely in the presence of a deep brain stimulator (DBS) system. A 17-year-old adolescent boy with severe neuromuscular scoliosis presented for a posterior spinal fusion. The patient suffered from generalized dystonia treated with a DBS terminating in the left and right globus pallidus internus. The competing goals of monitoring motor function during the spinal fusion and preserving the integrity of the DBS system were discussed preoperatively. The DBS system was deactivated for the duration of surgery, and tcMEPs were used sparingly at the lowest suitable stimulation voltage. Intraoperative management focused on facilitating neurophysiologic monitoring through a total intravenous anesthetic of propofol, methadone, and remifentanil. The tcMEPS remained unchanged throughout the operation and the patient emerged able to move his lower extremities to command. Postoperatively, the DBS system was turned back on and showed retained settings, normal functioning, and unchanged impedance of the DBS leads. Neither the patient nor his parents reported any subjective changes in the symptoms of dystonia. The authors conclude that monitoring tcMEPs in the presence of a DBS implant may be done safely, when the clinical circumstances suggest that the added information gained from tcMEPs outweighs the theoretical risk to the DBS system and the course of the medical condition treated by the DBS.

Motor Function Improvement After Electroconvulsive Therapy in a Parkinson's Disease Patient With Deep Brain Stimulator

In patients with a deep brain stimulator (DBS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has proven to be a safe and effective treatment option after several medication failures in major depression, especially in the presence of psychotic symptoms. Electroconvulsive therapy has also proven to be effective in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). To date, there have been no reports on the effect of ECT on motor function in PD patients with a functioning DBS. We present the case of a woman with DBS as a treatment for PD, safely treated with ECT for a psychotic depression. Depression severity and motor changes were evaluated on a weekly basis using the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale. During the course of ECT, the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale score declined from 34 to 13, and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale motor score from 44 to 12 with positive impact on rigidity. Considering the positive impact of ECT on the motor function in our patient, new research should look into ECT as an augmentation strategy in motor dysfunction in patients treated with DBS for PD.