Valproate-Induced Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy: A Case Report

[摘要] Valproic acid (VPA) is an antiepileptic drug that is approved for the treatment of several types of seizures. It is also prescribed for the treatment of bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, social phobias, neuropathic pain, and for the prophylaxis and treatment of migraine headaches.1 VPA and its derivatives have been found to be useful and generally safe in the treatment of bipolar disorder, agitation in dementia, and refractory anxiety disorders in the elderly.2-4 These drugs are known to cause hyperammonemia and associated encephalopathy, but most of these data come from studies of children and young adults.5-10 We report a case of an adolescent who suffered idiopathic generalized epilepsy and presented with subacute cognitive impairment and worsening of seizures a few months after starting treatment with VPA. No biochemical signs of overdose or toxicity were observed. Withdrawing VPA resulted in a swift improvement in the patient’s mental status.

[学科分类] 精神健康和精神病学