A shocking story

>> Miscellaneous tidbits on Kastner's case and ECTs

by PHILIP PREVILLE

Drugs forced upon Gail Kastner by Dr. Ewen Cameron, according to court documents filed by her lawyer: insulin (8 units before meals even though she was not a diabetic), Somnifene, Dexamyl, Nitrous Oxide, Pentothal, Anectine, Sykosterone, Sodium Amytol, coramine (a cardiac and respiratory stimulant), downers such as Tuinal, Seconal, valium, libium, uppers such as diet pills, 222s with codeine, 292s, Dexadrine, and antihistamines: pyribenzamine, phenergan, chlortriplon.

In addition to the $100,000 settlements offered in 1992, nine of Cameron's former patients successfully sued the CIA, resulting in a 1998 shared settlement of $750,000 U.S.

ECT consists of giving a 20-second shock to the brain, producing a reaction similar to an epileptic seizure. Electrodes are placed on the patient's head and between 90 and 110 volts (enough to power a light bulb) pass into the brain, stimulating the seizure. The patient grimaces, clamping down on a mouth guard designed to prevent tongue-biting and broken teeth.

The ECT is still used in Canadian hospitals, usually as a last resort for psychiatric patients. Until 1998, the makers of ECT machines in Canada were not required to provide proof of the devices' safety and efficacy before approval by Health Canada's medical devices bureau.

At the Royal Victoria Hospital in 1998: 55 patients received 604 treatments--an average of 10 ECTs per course of treatment. Of those, 75 per cent were women. Almost 70 per cent of all patients were over the age of 60. -- C.S. :

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