Lithium-induced confusional states: nonconvulsive status epilepticus or triphasic encephalopathy?
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Methods for ECG Evaluation of Indicators of Cardiac Risk, and Susceptibility to Aconitine-induced Arrhythmias in Rats Following Status Epilepticus
Published on: April 5, 2011
Peter W Kaplan1, Gretchen Birbeck
1Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA. pkaplan@jhmi.edu
Abstract:
Lithium therapy can cause a confusional state by direct toxicity, precipitation of nonconvulsive status epilepticus, or by interplay with other neuroleptic medications to produce neuroleptic malignant syndrome or serotonin syndrome. These conditions resemble each other clinically, but EEG may help differentiate among them. We reviewed the EEG patterns with triphasic waves or rhythmic delta activity in lithium toxic patients and discuss clinical and EEG differentiation among syndromes. Lithium toxicity poses significant diagnostic challenges from EEG and clinical perspectives.
Related Concept Videos
Seizures l: Introduction
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Seizures ll: Types
Seizures: Classification
Seizures are typically classified into two main categories: focal and generalized seizures.
Focal Seizures
Focal seizures originate from specific regions of the brain. These seizures are further sub-classified into two types:
Mania and Antimanic Drugs: Overview
Epilepsy ll: Types

