[Lithium intoxication: assessment, treatment and prevention].

A 64-year-old woman with bipolar disorder had received treatment with lithium for 33 years when she was admitted to the Department of Neurology with clinical signs and symptoms of an apoplectic insult. Her serum lithium level was 2.42 mmol/l. She was treated conservatively with electrolyte solutions and diuretics. Hemodialysis was judged unnecessary, and the patient recovered after 11 days. Patients given long-term lithium treatment should be instructed about risk factors, and their serum lithium and serum creatinine levels should be monitored regularly in order to prevent intoxication.