A case of Parkinsonism due to lithium intoxication: treatment with Pramipexole

We report the case of a 72-year-old woman with bipolar disorder treated with lithium for over a year, who suddenly developed disabling Parkinsonism, apparently after a gastroenteric infection. On hospital admission lithium plasma levels were 3.7 mmol/l. After lithium discontinuation, plasma levels decreased to 0.7 mmol/l, but without resolution of neurological symptoms. Biperidene and levodopa-benserazide did not ameliorate her extrapyramidal symptoms. Pramipexole 0.25 mg TID improved dramatically the Parkinsonism and all neurological symptoms resolved in a few days.