EFFICACY OF IITRAVENOUS KETOROLAC IN POST ELETRRO-CONVULSIVE THERAPY (ECT) HEADACHE

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the mean headache score after single dose Intra-venous (I/V) ketorolac administered as part of General Anaesthesia (GA) following Electro-convulsive Therapy (ECT) versus placebo.

Study Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Place and Duration of Study: Psychiatry Department, CMH Lahore, from Jun 2014 to Dec 2014.

Methodology: 100 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected after permission from Hospital Ethical Committee and completion of informed written consent. Registration numbers, name, age and gender were noted. Patients were divided into two groups randomly by using random number table. In group A, Intravenous Ketorolac 0.5mg/kg body weight was given to all patients as part of medications administered at the time of ECT while in group B placebo (normal saline) was given. All patients were assessed 2 hrs after ECT for subjective experience of headache on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). All the information was collected through well defined proforma.

Results: Headache scores showed significant improvement after treatment with a p-value <0.001. Mean score in placebo group was 4.54 ± 2.83 whereas the mean headache score in ketorolac group was 2.48 ± 2.34. Single dose I/V ketorolac reduced 2.06 ± 0.52 score in headache compared to placebo group. There was a statistically significant decrease in headache score after treatment.

Conclusion: Based on our results single dose I/V ketorolac is effective with respect to placebo in reducing post-ECT headache. .