Asymmetric bilateral right frontotemporal left frontal stimulus electrode placement: comparisons with bifrontotemporal and unilateral placements.

The asymmetric bilateral stimulus electrode placement described by Swartz was used to treat four patients, ages 60, 75, 75, and 80 years, who had previously received electroconvulsive therapy with other placements. After the course, each showed full remission with no overt cognitive dysfunction and no decrement in mini-mental state score. Three patients had shown substantial confusion during previous treatments, one with bifrontotemporal brief pulse and two with sine wave, at least one of whom received unilateral treatment. Remission was maintained at followup 2-4 months later. These cases further suggest that this new placement is clinically useful.