Polyneuropathy in lithium intoxication

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.