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Post ECT: brain damage, cognitive impairment and severe memory loss.
Are there others living with post ECT repercussions after the brain should have cleared, such as: cognitive decline, severe short term and long term memory loss, and disability?
It has been two years since I was subjected to ECT and all the while I hoped my brain would “clear” as the doctor said it would. It has not. I have gone on disability and things continue to decline for me. In addition I did not reap positive effects in the form of relief from depression.
It has not been a win and I am now wondering if I have early onset of dementia. I cannot find good information online re this and hoped someone in this community might see this. Thank you.
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@koerth
Welcome to Mayo Connect!
I’m so sorry to hear what you have been going through after your ECT treatments.
There are still discussions and disagreements about the value and risk of ECT treatments.
We do know that it can make a huge difference in the treatment of severe depression for individuals not responding to other therapy. I’m sorry it did not give you that relief.
There doesn’t seem to be a clear answer to if ECT causes brain damage or just changes in function.
You seem to have significant mental and neurological deficiencies afterwards. Have you discussed this with a neurologist or your psychiatrist? A thorough neurological evaluation should be able to tell you what has been happening in your brain.
Let’s hope someone with similar experience will see your post and respond.
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1 ReactionI have had ECT treatment twice, each treatment being a number of shocks. Many years ago. They messed up my brain for awhile, but certainly not two years! That is not right.
In my case it was totally worth it. I was never quite as mentally sharp as I had been, but I got along fine. (I started out with very high IQ and the treatment knocked me down to normal LOL).
I second the opinion that you seek out a good neurologist because you should definitely be clear-headed by now
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3 ReactionsMaybe the cause of your problems is not depression or ECT but something else entirely, which can be treated
I appreciate the outreach on my post. I have never posted on anything, not even a “google review “ lol. However I took a chance on this as I am becoming so scared and desperate.
My psychiatrist will acknowledge my memory loss and my doctors had to participate in getting me on disability- however none of them will touch the subject in regards to ECT.
I believe it’s because I live in a small medical community mostly run by one clinic.
I would like to see a Neurologist at Mayo Clinic.
It has been the most difficult time in my life and I have lost so much personally and professionally.
Thank you.
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2 ReactionsPlease check for SS
Thank you. Does that mean Social Security?
Here is a link to making appointments at Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/appointments
I agree that you need to find out what has happened to you- such a drastic and devastating change.
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1 ReactionI appreciate this very much. Thank you! Would you suggest going straight to a neurologist?
@koerth
I’m not quite sure. You may be directed to an Internal Medicine doctor first. It depends on how many records from your treatments, testing and evaluations you are able to provide.
You can either fill the form for a request or call and speak to a person who can guide you. Just try to get all records that you have access to.
Let me know what happens.