[Lithium poisoning with persistent neurological sequelae].

A patient suffering from manic-depressive illness was treated on a long-term basis with lithium carbonate in consistent dosage. In the course of intercurrent Q-fever he developed lithium intoxication which led to a severe and, as confirmed by a follow-up examination after 5 years, irreversible cerebellar syndrome as well as a discrete organic mental syndrome. The course of the lithium intoxication itself was exceptional in this patient: the cerebellar symptoms appeared very early during the intoxication and were dissociated from any other central nervous system signs or symptoms, especially impairment of consciousness.