Abstract: A free-standing device for the testing of ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) instruments, and for training doctors in using such instruments, includes circuits to generate electrical wave forms which simulate the EEG (electroencephalograph) detectable brain waves, EMG (electromyograph) muscle activity and heart beats of a patient undergoing ECT. In one embodiment the ECT output leads of the ECT instrument are plugged into the device, the training doctor selects the ECT current and the device generates response EEG and EMG waveforms. It also measures the current and displays its measurement as a test of the accuracy of the stimulus selection controls of the ECT instrument.

Abstract: In non-convulsive magnetic stimulation therapy a patient is treated with magnetic pulses from a coil placed proximate the patient's head as a treatment of certain neurologic and psychiatric disorders. A set of EEG (electroencephalograph) electrodes on the patient's scalp are switched on during pauses in the electrical pulse train to the coil. If epilepsy-like brain wave spikes and/or sharp waves are detected by the EEG, a warning is given, treatment is halted and an anti-convulsive medicine may be administered.

Abstract: An oral protector, especially for use by patients during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) consists of a flat unitary member which is preferably stamped from a flat sheet of material. The protector is elastic and formed of a closed-cell material, such as polyurethane plastic resin or artificial rubber. It has an elongated, generally elliptical shaped central opening which acts as an air passage.

Abstract: In medical convulsive therapy (CV), comprising electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and magnetoconvulsive therapy (MCT), a computer system is used to analyze the effectiveness of the treatment. In one embodiment the effectiveness is determined by measuring the physiological effects on the heart (ECG) muscles (EMG) and brain (EEG).

Abstract: A magnetic induction coil is placed next to the scalp of a patient. A pulse train of high energy electrical waves is flowed through the induction coil to produce a sufficiently strong magnetic field to generate currents in the patient's brain for the therapy of neurologic or psychiatric illnesses. These currents induced in the brain cause multifocal neuronal discharge to induce a generalized convulsive neuronal discharge.

Abstract: A medical device includes a magnetic stimulator having a magnetic induction coil which is placed next to the scalp of a patient. A pulse train of high energy electrical waves is flowed through the induction coil to produce a sufficiently strong magnetic field to generate currents in the patient's brain for the therapy of psychiatric illnesses. These currents induced in the brain are below the minimum needed to induce a convulsive brain seizure. The device includes an ECG (electrocardiograph) to monitor the electrical activity of the patient's heart and an EEG (electroencephalograph) to monitor the patient's electrical brain waves.

Abstract: An electronic method and apparatus in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to automatically measure the electrical dosage of an ECT device at the time of stimulus and to prevent delivery to the patient of a dosage that is substantially (e.g., more than 5%, or 25 millicoulombs [mC], or 5 joules [J]) larger than the dosage selected by the operator. When the measured dosage varies more or less than a selected limited amount, or proportion, from the stimulus dial setting (e.g., 5% or 25 mC or 5 J), visible and/or audible signals are triggered and the device is blocked from delivering further stimuli without first being reset.

Abstract: In electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) the duration of the generated skeletal muscle, heart and brain wave activity during the administration of the electrically induced therapeutic seizures is automatically monitored. The ECT device includes a special purpose electromyograph (EMG) to detect isolated muscle activity and, in one embodiment, an electrocardiograph (ECG) to detect heart-beat intervals, and in another embodiment also includes an electroencephalograph (EEG) system to detect an EEG parameter of the electrically induced EEG seizure. The detected voltage from the EMG, ECG and EEG are converted to digital data and compared to a set of threshold reference values previously obtained from the same patient. The operator is informed by a display, or auditory signal, if the selected parameters have crossed the predetermined threshold reference value and the time period, since termination of the ECT that each parameter has taken to reach the reference value.

Abstract: A method and systen in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to automatically monitor and display the occurrence and the duration of the seizure activity generated during the administration of electrically induced therapeutic seizures. The ECT device includes a special-purpose electroencephaloraph (EEG) system to detect a specific EEG parameter (e.g. integrated voltage) of the electrically induced EEG seizure. The detected integrated voltage is converted to digital data and compared to a threshold reference value previously obtained from the same patient. The operator is informed by an electronic alphanumeric elapsed time display or indications on a moving strip chart paper record, or oscilloscope CRT screen, when the parameter has crossed the predetermined threshold reference value and how long since the termination of the ECT the parameter has taken to reach the reference value.

Abstract: A method and system in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to automatically monitor and display the occurrence and the duration of the seizure activity generated during the administration of the electrically induced therapeutic seizures. The ECT device includes a special-purpose electroencephalograph (EEG) system to detect a specific EEG parameter (e.g. integrated voltage) of the electrically induced EEG seizure. The detected integrated voltage is converted to digital data and compared to a threshold reference value previously obtained from the same patient. The operator is informed by an electronic alphanumeric elapsed time display or indications on a moving strip chart paper record, or oscilloscope CRT screen, when the parameter has crossed the predetermined threshold reference value and how long since the termination of the ECT the parameter has taken to reach the reference value.

Abstract: A medical method and system in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) uses a disposable electrode, which does not use a liquid, such as conductive gel or saline solution. The electrode is a flexible multi-layer pad having an adhesive surface which is covered by a removable cover sheet. The pad comprises a layer of adhesive non-liquid conductive hydrogel, a thin conductive plastic film layer, a conductive metal foil layer connected to a wire lead, and an insulative plastic layer, preferably a plastic foam.

Abstract: An audible electroencephalograph (EEG) for use with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). A voltage controlled oscillator converts the magnitude of the signal received from the patient's brain into an audible tone indicative of brain activity. The tone undergoes frequency modulation about 500 hertz to indicate to the attending physician the brain seizure produced by the ECT. The audible signal informs the physician of the results of the ECT without requiring any attention to or waiting for a strip recorder to provide a graphic display. This permits the physician to continuously watch the patient during the ECT. Used in conjunction with the ECT equipment, a first, warning tone may indicate a short hiatus between pressing the treatment button and the commencement of the ECT stimulus. A second tone indicates the application of the ECT stimulus, while the third tone, as described above audibly delineates the resulting effect upon the patient.