Lithium overdose causing non-convulsive status epilepticus--the importance of lithium levels and the electroencephalography in diagnosis.

Abstract

We report a case of lithium overdose in a patient who presented in non-convulsive status epilepticus. The lithium toxicity was probably due to interaction with Moduretic. The diagnosis was not suspected until electroencephalography was performed. This case underscores the importance of therapeutic drug level monitoring of lithium, especially where toxicity is suspected, and the indispensable role electroencephalography plays by allowing a correct diagnosis to be made promptly.

• Authors: K K Yip, W T Yeung
• Journal: Hong Kong medical journal = Xianggang yi xue za zhi (Hong Kong Med J) Vol. 13 Issue 6 Pg. 471-4 (Dec 2007) ISSN: 1024-2708 [Print] China
• PMID: 18057436 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Lithium Compounds
• Sulfates
• lithium sulfate
• Lithium

Topics

• Drug Overdose (diagnosis)
• Electroencephalography (drug effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Lithium (blood)
• Lithium Compounds (poisoning)
• Middle Aged
• Status Epilepticus (chemically induced)
• Sulfates (poisoning)