Lithium Is Likely to Persist in the Brain

Journal of Ect, vol. 37, pp. 67–70

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Electroconvulsive therapy and concomitant lithium therapy remain a matter of debate because of increased rates of adverse events. Current recommendations include monitoring lithium levels and reducing lithium to minimally effective dose. We present a report on protracted effects of lithium intoxication as electroconvulsive therapy 8 days after intoxication and under normal lithium serum levels resulted in a prolonged seizure. Electroencephalogram recordings before stimulation showed electroencephalogram correlates of subsiding lithium intoxication most likely due to protracted lithium influx and efflux of the central nervous system.

Authors 3

1. Rahsan Karakavuz Aachen Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics JARA-Translational Brain Medicine Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen · Jülich Aachen Research Alliance

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital RWTH; and JARA-Translational Brain Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

   Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital RWTH

2. Luise Riester Aachen Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics JARA-Translational Brain Medicine Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen · Jülich Aachen Research Alliance

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital RWTH; and JARA-Translational Brain Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

   Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital RWTH

3. Michael Grözinger Aachen Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics JARA-Translational Brain Medicine Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen · Jülich Aachen Research Alliance

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital RWTH; and JARA-Translational Brain Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany

   Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital RWTH