Persistent cerebellar dysfunction following acute lithium toxicity: A report of two cases

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Toxicology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Lithium is a common mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder.
• Lithium therapy can induce neurological side effects, ranging from mild tremors to severe neurotoxicity.
• Permanent neurological damage from lithium is rare but documented.

Observation:

• Two patients developed persistent cerebellar syndrome after acute lithium toxicity.
• The syndrome presented as lasting cerebellar dysfunction.
• This presentation is consistent with rare but severe lithium-induced neurotoxicity.

Findings:

• Acute lithium toxicity can lead to irreversible cerebellar dysfunction.
• Persistent cerebellar syndrome is a rare but significant neurological sequela of lithium overdose.
• Clinical presentation and literature review confirm the association.

Implications:

• Clinicians should be aware of the potential for permanent neurological damage with lithium toxicity.
• Early recognition and management of lithium toxicity are crucial to mitigate neurological risks.
• Further research into the mechanisms of lithium neurotoxicity is warranted.