Transient hemiparesis (Todd's paralysis) after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in a patient with major depressive disorder

J ECT. 2013 Sep;29(3):247-8. doi: 10.1097/YCT.0b013e31827e568c.

Abstract

We report the case of a 50-year-old man who exhibited transient left hemiparesis (Todd's paralysis) after electroconvulsive therapy, which completely resolved within 10 minutes. Subsequent neurological evaluation was unremarkable for discrete etiologies for this event, other than Todd's paralysis. We review the literature of this phenomenon in association with electroconvulsive therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesia
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / complications*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / therapy*
  • Electroconvulsive Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurologic Examination
  • Paralysis / etiology*
  • Paresis / etiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents