Choreoathetosis in the setting of lithium toxicity.
BACKGROUND
Lithium toxicity has been shown to cause lasting neurological sequelae in certain cases.


OBJECTIVE
The authors present a case of choreoathetosis in the aftermath of a presumed episode of lithium toxic reaction.


METHODS
The patient was treated by aggressive rehydration; lithium and, ultimately, all psychotropic medication was withheld for a period.


RESULTS
The patient showed marked improvement in orientation and movement control; however, some of the choreoathetoid symptoms persisted.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients on combination therapy with lithium and other psychotropics need to be closely monitored for the development of choreoathetoid and other symptoms of overmedication.
correspondence and M.D., Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, 80 Jesse Hill Jr. Dr., P.O. Box 26238, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA.
R Brett
RB
Lloyd
Rachel E
RE
Perkins
Ann C
AC
Schwartz
D000368:Aged; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001264:Athetosis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002819:Chorea / Q000139:chemically induced*; D003693:Delirium / Q000139:chemically induced; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D008094:Lithium