A Creutzfeldt-Jakob like syndrome due to lithium toxicity

Abstract

Two patients with lithium toxicity presented with a neurological syndrome suggesting a diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. In both cases, the initial EEG was consistent with this diagnosis. Neither patient had permanent neurological sequelae and the EEG returned to normal. A careful drug history should be taken in any patient who presents with a rapidly progressive dementia even when the EEG supports a diagnosis of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.