Spinal Injuries in Convulsion Therapy

Abstract

Therapeutic convulsions were introduced by Meduna in 1934, but it was not until the latter part of 1938, after many thousands of fits had been induced all over the world, that spinal injuries were first recorded (Wespi, 1938; Stalker, 1938). The reason for this is not far to seek; it lies in the fact that these injuries are for the most part symptomless, and consequently to be found only by means of routine radiographic examinations. In 1939 alarming reports of the high incidence of compression fractures following induced convulsions were published, and the possibility of subsequent permanent disability led in many hospitals to the abolition of a very useful form of treatment.