Investigation of the ‘cuff’ method for assessing seizure duration in electroconvulsive therapy

AIMS AND METHOD Electroconvulsive therapy should be effectively monitored and seizure duration accurately ascertained. We observed the seizure duration in both lower and upper limbs using the Hamilton ‘cuff’ method. RESULTS Thrity-nine seizures in 19 patients were observed. There were no statistically significant differences between cuffed and uncuffed limbs, nor between upper and lower limbs. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Alternatives to the Hamilton cuff method to observe seizure duration need to be considered.