The clinical laboratory and electroencephalographic effects of lithium

Eleven patients (six manic, five non-manic) were studied during administration of lithium carbonate. All patients manifested neutrophilia during administration and there was a tendency for elevation in the fasting blood sugar. Serial EEG examinations and lithium determinations were done throughout the study in nine patients. The records of all nine patients showed profound changes in the form of diffuse slowing, widening of the frequency spectrum, potentiation and disorganization of background rhythm. Sensitivity to hyperventilation and paroxysmal bilaterally synchronous delta activity were also noted. Potentiation of an epileptic focus was observed in the EEG of one patient. These findings indicate that the CNS effect of lithium is both cortical and subcortical.