METHOD AND RESULTS OF ELECTRIC CONVULSIVE THERAPY DURING COMPLETE CURARIZATION
With Observations on a Curare Antagonist, Tensilon
JACQUES S. GOTTLIEB M. D.1, and
LUCIEN E. MORRIS M. D.2
1 The Iowa Psychopathic Hospital, the Department of Psychiatry, State University of Iowa, College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa.
2 The Division of Anesthesiology of the Department of Surgery, State University of Iowa, College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa.
1. Six elderly depressed patients with severe osteoporosis of the spine and other physical disabilities were treated by electric convulsive therapy during complete curarization. The method of complete curarization allowed the administration of electric convulsive therapy without danger of producing further injury to diseased skeletal structures, and thus extended the usefulness of this therapy to patients who otherwise would be unable to receive it.
2. The results of experiences with Tensilon indicate its limitations and its usefulness as an adjunct to bag, mask, and oxygen in the maintenance of the proper ventilation of the patient when the patient had been completely curarized.
