VALPROATE-INDUCED ENCEPHALOPATHY

When a 5,5 year old girl with epilepsy was treated with sodium valproa te, she reacted with increased frequency of seizures and stupor. The E EG revealed a slow background and multifocal hypersynchronous activity . Following discontinuation of valproate the girl recovered. Valproate was used once more some time later, again causing a similar clinical and EEG pattern, and recovery immediatly after drug discontinuation. T hus valproate encephalopathy was diagnosed. We propose to add this sid e effect to the pharmaceutical drug information.