A008 Effect of Preemptive Midazolam on Post-Electroconvulsive Therapy Headache, Myalgia, Nausea, and Vomiting

Background: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a controlled electrical stimulus that affects central nervous system and leads to convulsion. As every other medical procedure, ECT has some side effects like headache, myalgia, nausea and vomiting. Patients undergoing ECT receive different anesthetic drugs and some drugs like midazolam and atropine to reduce side effects.

Results: Sixteen men (42.1%) and 22 women (57.9%) were studied. The incidence of headache (p < 0.001), myalgia (p = 0.014), and vomiting (p = 0.011) was significantly higher in witness group. The incidence of coughing and laryngospasm was not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.050).

Conclusions: Midazolam can reduce convulsion time, but in most cases, convulsions last more than 25 seconds, which is in therapeutic range. So, it cannot affect the therapeutic value of ECT. Preemptive midazolam reduces post-ECT headache, myalgia, and nausea.