Roy M, Stip E, Black DN, Lew V, Langlois R. [Neurologic sequelae secondary to acute lithium poisoning].
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 1999;
44:671-9. [PMID:
10500868 DOI:
10.1177/070674379904400704]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature on the permanent neurological sequelae resulting from acute lithium poisoning.
METHOD
Sixty-six articles were reviewed in English and in French. They were accessed through Medline and cover the period from 1968 to 1997.
RESULTS
Fifty-nine case studies were broken down into 3 groups: lithium intoxications without a neuroleptic that has provoked a cerebellar syndrome; those in which there was a neuroleptic; and those with diverse neurological consequences, with or without a neuroleptic.
CONCLUSIONS
Lithium has an intrinsic toxicity for the central nervous system and provokes a tropism specific to the cerebellum. The association with neuroleptics appears to increase toxicity as well as some associated factors, including infections and the rapid correction of the lithium level in the blood. We discuss the psychopathological mechanisms invoked to explain lithium's neurotoxicity.
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