Choreoathetosis: a sign of lithium toxicity.
Two patients who developed choreoathetosis in the course of lithium treatment are described, and other cases of choreoathetosis in lithium-treated patients are reviewed. Choreoathetosis is suggested to be a sign of lithium toxicity, almost always accompanied by other signs of neurotoxicity, such as delirium and cerebellar dysfunction. Of the reported cases, 44% developed permanent movement disorders, and 63% of the patients with permanent deficits were taking both lithium and neuroleptic. When choreoathetosis was not permanent, the average duration was seven days after discontinuation of lithium (range, 1 to 90 days).
Reed
S M
SM
Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284-7792.
Wise
M G
MG
Timmerman
I
I
D000368:Aged; D001264:Athetosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D002819:Chorea / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D002998:Clonazepam / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003693:Delirium / Q000139:chemically induced; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006220:Haloperidol / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors
D002998:Clonazepam; D008094:Lithium; D006220:Haloperidol