Introduction:

Lithium is a pharmacological molecule that is commonly used in patients with bipolar affective disorder. Due to its chemical similarity to sodium, alterations in the latter have a direct effect on its plasma concentrations. Among the complications that can occur are nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, thyroid dysfunction, and some central nervous system defects such as nystagmus, ataxia, tremor, fasciculations, seizures, and coma.

Objective:

To present the case of a patient with a syndrome of altered state of consciousness secondary to lithium poisoning coincide.

Clinical case:

61-year-old woman with a history of bipolar affective disorder who presented the syndrome of altered state of consciousness associated with lithium poisoning, for which reason the drug was withdrawn and hemodialysis sessions were carried out, obtaining an adequate response. with improvement of renal function and normalization of serum lithium values ​​ (0.76 mmol / L).

Conclusions:

Lithium may involve alterations at the renal level that are associated with modifications in serum electrolytes. This can facilitate the appearance of neurological symptoms or symptoms, as evidence in the present case.