Multiple Intracerebral Hemorrhages following Electroconvulsive Therapy

Abstract

Electroconvulsive therapy is the most effective treatment for endogenous depression. Possible adverse effects include confusion, memory loss, headache, hypotension, and tachycardia. We describe a 22-year-old woman treated for unconsciousness four hours after electroconvulsive therapy. She had no history of recent head trauma, hypertension or cerebrovascular symptoms. Complete blood count, platelet count, prothrombin and partial thromboplastin time were normal. Multiple intracerebral hemorrhages were seen on computed tomography. This unusual finding has not been reported previously.