Anesthetic-induced pain on injection in electroconvulsive therapy: review of the literature and suggestions for prevention.

Abstract

Pain on injection (angialgia) is a common adverse effect of anesthetic medications, especially propofol and methohexital, which are both used for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). In this review, the authors survey some general literature on angialgia incidence, mechanisms, and prevention efforts in non-ECT settings and follow this with a review of similar topics relevant to ECT. They review practical methods of angialgia prevention for ECT patients. The methods with the best research basis include the use of an antecubital vein for intravenous access as well as the local anesthetic lidocaine. Regarding the latter, concerns regarding shortening of seizure duration during ECT have been raised. If lidocaine is used for angialgia in ECT, low doses should be administered to avoid possible interference with ictal electroencephalogram expression. Other methods worth studying further for angialgia during ECT include use of the antiemetic agent metoclopramide and high-potency opiates.