A case of valproate-induced hyperammonaemic encephalopathy. Issue 1 (February 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lucie, O; Nazir, F; Spilg, E
• Is Part Of: Scottish medical journal. Volume 58:Issue 1(2013)
• Page Start: e43
• Page End: e44
• Publication Date: 2013-02
• Subjects: Sodium valproate -- hyperammonaemia -- encephalopathy; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1177/0036933012474620
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0036-9330

Abstract

We report the case of a 65-year-old woman with hyperammonaemic encephalopathy induced by sodium valproate. This is a rare complication of treatment with sodium valproate. The encephalopathy can be reversible on withdrawal of treatment and does carry a risk of morbidity and mortality. This case demonstrates the importance of recognising this potential complication of a drug in common use.