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Does Lithium Causes Permanent Brain Damage?

Posted on Wed, 8 Apr 2015

Question: I am seeking a second opinion. Hand tremor has persisted even though lithium carbonate treatment discontinued 3.5 months ago. Lithium therapy was only for 6 months in duration. Tremor improved very quickly in the first few months after cessation. Now the tremor is mild. Unfortunately, the rate of improvement is now extremely slow. As time goes on, I fear it is permanent. Do I have permanent brain damage?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Permanent damage is unlikely.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

I have noted your symptoms and past medical history.

I would like to reassure you that lithium does not lead to permanent brain damage. Also, tremors are not permanent and would gradually improve over time.

For relief of tremors, you may take beta blockers such as propranolol tablets or vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) tablets.

I hope my answer helps. Please get back if you have any follow up queries or if you require any additional information.

Wishing you good health,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, XXXXXXX XXXXXXX
Click on this link to ask me a DIRECT QUERY: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My BLOG: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.in

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Sudhir Kumar (23 hours later)

Thank you for your reply. How much time does it take for the lithium tremor to heal?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Usually 4-6 months.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for getting back.

Tremors may stop completely in 4-6 months, however, in some cases, it may take upto 18 months to heal.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar