Fulminant progression of demyelinating disease after valproate-induced encephalopathy

Neurology. 1998 Jul;51(1):292-5. doi: 10.1212/wnl.51.1.292.

Abstract

We report the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features of a patient who had fulminant demyelinating disease and who experienced acute progression of his disease after an episode of valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy. The role hyperammonemia played in the progression of the demyelination is uncertain. This case raises concern of a possible risk with the use of valproic acid in the subset of patients with fulminant demyelinating disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants*
  • Brain Stem / pathology
  • Cerebral Cortex / pathology
  • Contraindications
  • Demyelinating Diseases / diagnosis
  • Demyelinating Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Demyelinating Diseases / pathology
  • Encephalitis / chemically induced*
  • Encephalitis / diagnosis
  • Encephalitis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Valproic Acid*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Valproic Acid