Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 9/29/2008

Question
Dr. Jackson,

I am going through ECT and the anesthesia is causing the metallic taste/smell. It has been 7 days so far and the smell/taste has not reduced or gone away. I've talked to the Doctor's and they have not heard of this happening. They do a great deal of ECT at Sharp Mesa Vista here in San Diego. Any idea why I got stuck with condition. It causes nausea(slight, from the smell), neck ache(like a head ache at the base of the skull and a light headedness that is slight and has slight dizziness.
Thank you so much for ANY info you may be able to offer.  

Answer
Hi Ed
The problem here is trying to separate out the effects of the procedure from the anaesthesia. It is possible that the anaesthetic agents are giving you a funny taste in your mouth indeed that was a typical effect of methohexitone and sodium thiopentone when they were used to start your anaesthetic. It is seen less with the modern agent propofol (which is usually used these days) but a funny taste can be reported by some patients. However it does tend to be transient i.e. only happens while the agent is being injected and has gone by the time you awaken.
The other side of the coin is perhaps the ECT is having an effect on the part of your brain that looks after taste/smell. This is outside my expertise and I don't know if this is seen.
So I'm a bit perplexed like my colleagues in San Diego. Lots of possibilities but I can't say this is the reason.
I hope the ECT helps your depression - I know it can make a great difference.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson