Trace elements and the electroencephalogram during long-term lithium treatment.

Endogenous bromine has been found to be raised during lithium treatment, and it has been suggested that it may augment the therapeutic effect of lithium. Our findings in a study of 12 patients and 12 controls support this contention. Electroencephalographic effects of bromine, vanadium and aluminium were studied--higher bromine and vanadium levels were associated with irregular cortical activity. Electroencephalographic abnormalities were associated with more side-effects of lithium.