Demir, Recep Ataturk University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Neurology, Turkey , Özel, Lütfi Ataturk University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Neurology, Turkey , Kocatürk, İdris Ataturk University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Neurology, Turkey , Özdemir, Gökhan Ataturk University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Neurology, Turkey , Ulvi, Hızır Ataturk University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Neurology, Turkey

Valproic acid- induced early diagnosed encephalopathy

38117

Valproic acid-induced encephalopathy is a rarely seen but serious complication that may lead to death. It can be completely treated if early diagnosis is made and valproic acid (VPA) is discontinued. It is clinically presented as consciousness changes that range from sleepiness to lethargy and coma, focal or bilateral neurological findings, seizure, vomiting, and slow waves on electroencephalography (EEG). An 18 year old female patient presented to our policlinic for the follow up of epilepsy. Her neurological examination was normal. The patient complained of headache. EEG showed disordered background activity at both hemispheres with symmetric delta activity at a frequency of 3-4 Hz, along with sharp paroxysms lasting 1-2 seconds. After discontinuation of the drug, EEG video monitoring showed a decrease in the sharp paroxysms the day after the drug. On the fourth day, the EEG returned to normal. We conclude that encephalopathy can be early diagnosed with EEG in VPA users.

385

Electroencephalography , Encephalopathy , Epilepsy , Valproic acid

Journal Of Experimental an‎d Clinical Medicine

387