title: Valproate-induced Parkinsonism in epilepsy patients.
abstract: We systematically examined 226 epilepsy patients in a tertiary-referral center and found 6 (5.04%) to have valproate-induced Parkinsonism. There was a significantly higher prevalence of patients with Parkinsonism in the group of patients treated with valproate compared to those who were on other antiepileptic drugs (6 [5.04%] of 119 vs. 0 [0%] of 107; chi2 = 5.54; P = 0.025). These six patients had been on valproate for more than 3 years (mean, 75.67 +/- 25.32 months) at an average dose of 750 +/- 273.86 mg/day. The valproate doses were decreased or discontinued with supplementation from another antiepileptic medication. The mean UPDRS motor score significantly improved from 10.67 +/- 5.1 to 4.75 +/- 2.75 (P < 0.05). There was no relapse of seizures. Clinicians working in tertiary-referral centers should have a high index of suspicion for valproate-induced Parkinsonism. Early recognition and switching into another antiepileptic medication may help reduce unnecessary suffering in these patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute, Singapore.
authors.forename: Dominic
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jamora
authors.forename: Shih-Hui
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Lim
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pan
authors.forename: Louis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Eng-King
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Tan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020734:Parkinsonian Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced*; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014635:Valproic Acid