Polyneuropathy in lithium intoxication

Muscle Nerve. 1990 Mar;13(3):204-8. doi: 10.1002/mus.880130306.

Abstract

Two patients developed acute sensorimotor polyneuropathy after intoxication with lithium carbonate. Nerve conduction studies, electromyography, and sural nerve biopsy proved it to be an axonal neuropathy. Recovery of muscle strength, reflexes, and sensory function started weeks after discontinuation of lithium therapy. One patient fully recovered within a year. In the literature we found nine other cases of lithium polyneuropathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Electromyography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lithium / adverse effects
  • Lithium / poisoning*
  • Lithium Carbonate
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neural Conduction / physiology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology

Substances

  • Lithium Carbonate
  • Lithium