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Brief Report
Chorea caused by lithium intoxication: A case report and literature review
Article first published online: 4 NOV 2004
DOI: 10.1002/mds.870110623
Copyright © 1996 Movement Disorder Society
1531-8257/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=cbca75ec4eec6abb5c8560896c83f19bae8de2b1 "Movement Disorders")
Additional Information
How to Cite
Podskalny, G. D. and Factor, S. A. (1996), Chorea caused by lithium intoxication: A case report and literature review. Movement Disorders, 11: 733–737. doi: 10.1002/mds.870110623
Publication History
- Issue published online: 4 NOV 2004
- Article first published online: 4 NOV 2004
- Manuscript Accepted: 15 FEB 1996
- Manuscript Revised: 2 JAN 1996
- Manuscript Received: 13 SEP 1995
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Lithium;
- Intoxication;
- Chorea
Abstract
We report a patient who developed an acute, reversble, generalized choreiform disorder from lithium (Li) intoxication. This medication was prescribed for manic-depressive disorder, and serum levels became elevated after the addition of a diuretic for the treatment of hypertension. There were no other apparent causes for the movement disorder, and it was associated with other known features of Li intoxication, including ataxia and encephalopathy. There was a delay between the intial symptoms of Li intoxication and the onset of chorea. The chorea improved as serum Li levels diminished, with some lag time. This represents the eleventh case report of Li-induced chorea, but only the sixth in a patient without concomitant neuroleptic therapy, and the first presented with videotape confirmation. A review of these other cases is included, and possible mechanisms are discussed.