Atypical permanent neurological sequelae after an acute intoxication with lithium and aripiprazole

Objectives: The aim of the present case report was to describe atypical neurological sequelae after a lithium and aripiprazole co-intoxication in a suicide attempt.

Methods: We report the case of a 31-year-old patient with bipolar disorder who developed, after lithium and aripiprazole massive ingestion, a severe pseudobulbar dysarthria and motor disorders suggestive of basal ganglia micro lesions. We review literature on neurological sequelae due to acute lithium intoxications.

Results: Acute lithium intoxication can cause permanent neurological sequelae, the most frequent clinical feature being a permanent cerebellar syndrome. Moreover, the widely-prescribed combination of lithium with antipsychotics increases the neurotoxicity in lithium intoxications. In this case, both atypical neurological syndrome and normal paraclinical investigations lead first to misdiagnose the lithium neurological damages.

Conclusions: This case illustrates that acute lithium intoxications can result in serious and potentially permanent neurological deficits, which remain difficult to diagnose. Imaging abnormalities are not constant, and neurological presentation can be atypical.