Electroconvulsive therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis

There are relatively few case reports of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients with multiple sclerosis. We present 3 such patients, all of whom received safe, effective ECT without evidence of acute neurological deterioration. We conclude that patients with multiple sclerosis being considered for ECT should have a thorough neurological evaluation, and the informed consent process should include discussion of the possibility of neurological deterioration. However, review of the literature and of our 3 cases does reveal that ECT can be used safely, at least in the short term. Long-term outcomes in such patients remain uncertain.