title: A rare neurological complication due to lithium poisoning.
abstract: Lithium salts have been used in treatment of depression and bipolar disorder for more than 50 years. Neurotoxic side-effects such as nystagmus, ataxia, tremor, fasciculation, clonus, seizure and even coma have been well described in the literature. We present a case of generalised peripheral neuropathy following lithium intoxication. It is a rare presentation with delayed onset and characterised by a rapid downhill course. Diagnosis was confirmed by nerve conduction tests, which showed axonal neuropathy. Despite the profound neurological effects of this toxicity, it is readily reversible with supportive care and the prognosis is good.
authors.affiliation: B6 Intensive Care Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Jordan, Hong Kong. stanchan01@yahoo.com.hk
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Anne K H
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.forename: Y F
authors.initials: YF
authors.lastname: Cheung
authors.forename: Phillip Y C
authors.initials: PY
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: K W Au
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Yeung
authors.forename: K Y
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Lai
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D018020:Lithium Compounds / Q000506:poisoning*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D018020:Lithium Compounds