For most patients, ECT side effects are relatively minor. Headache, muscle soreness and nausea may occur but are usually mild and can be prevented or at least diminished by medications. The risk of death is very rare—about 1 per 10,000 patients for typical cases—but higher for those with some types of pre-existing medical problems.

 

Confusion and memory difficulties may also occur. ECT-related memory problems can be of two types: difficulty remembering new information, and a loss of some memories from the past, particularly the recent past such as during and just prior to receiving ECT. The ability to learn and remember new information returns to one’s usual level over a period of days to weeks after ECT. The ability to remember material from the past (prior to ECT) tends to return to normal over a similar time period, except that in this case, some memories from the recent past, mainly days to months prior to the treatments, may be delayed in recovery or even permanently lost. Patient surveys have reported longer gaps in memory. However, the surveys have indicated that most patients receiving ECT are not greatly disturbed by memory effects and would have ECT again if it was indicated.