Which complication is associated with ECT but is rare today?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a medical treatment that involves the use of electrical stimulation to induce controlled seizures, primarily for severe depression and other mental health conditions. One of the rare complications associated with ECT is fractures due to convulsions.

While ECT can lead to physical reactions, including convulsions, advancements in practice have significantly reduced the incidence of serious injuries during the procedure. The use of muscle relaxants and anesthetics during ECT has minimized the risk of fractures, making this complication infrequent in contemporary practice.

Understanding the context of the procedure helps to clarify why fractures are considered a rare complication today compared to the past. In earlier applications of ECT, when techniques were less refined, patients were at a higher risk for sustaining injuries such as fractures. Present-day protocols have established better safety measures, which contribute to the reduced risk of this particular complication.

Other possible complications like joint dislocations, memory loss, and nausea are more commonly noted but vary in their significance and frequency in the context of ECT. Memory loss, in particular, has been documented as a more frequent issue, while nausea can occur but is often manageable with premedication.