Lithium intoxication secondary to unrecognized pontine haemorrhage

Objective: Lithium prophylaxis carries a substantial risk of medical compli cations, especially in the case of concomitant medical conditions. Method: We describe a patient with unrecognized cerebrovascular haemorrhage , admitted to hospital due to lithium intoxication. Results: A 46 year old bipolar patient presented with neurological signs an d a lithium serum level of 2.28 mmol/L. CT scan revealed a recent pontine h aemorrhage. Patient condition resolved after lithium withdrawal. Conclusion: Physicians should be aware of concomitant somatic illness in pa tients on long-term lithium therapy.