title: Stupor and fast activity on electroencephalography in a child treated with valproate.
abstract: The case of a 4-year-old girl with valproate-induced stupor and electroencephalographic pattern of increased fast activity is reported. Stupor and fast activity have been related to the effects on gamma-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A)) receptors mediated by endozepines or by exogenous drugs such as benzodiazepines or barbiturates. The action of valproate in GABA metabolism and in GABA neuronal networks could produce a similar result through a hyperrecruitment of GABA-mediated postsynaptic transmission.
authors.affiliation: Pediatric Neurology Division, Department of Pediatrics, La Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mastrangelo
authors.forename: Rosanna
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mariani
authors.forename: Alberto
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Spalice
authors.forename: Valerio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rocchi
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Iannetti
mesh_terms: D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004569:Electroencephalography; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D018682:GABA Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D053608:Stupor / Q000139:chemically induced*; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D018682:GABA Agents; D014635:Valproic Acid