title: Valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy: a brief review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This brief review presents a comprehensive evaluation of valproate-induced encephalopathy (VHE) and also discusses potential mechanisms of the condition.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sodium valproate (VPA) is an effective antiepileptic drug used in neurology as well as in psychiatry, in adults and children. VHE requires early diagnosis and management. Focused research efforts in understanding the condition will help decrease its incidence. Delay in recognition of VHE can result in the development of potentially life-threatening complications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Management options are described. Since VPA frequently causes a modest rise in plasma ammonia levels which is asymptomatic, it is important to recognize the symptoms of VHE promptly and to correlate them with the plasma ammonia levels.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although there are several case reports on VHE, this review is a comprehensive evaluation of its causes and potential mechanisms. Rapid diagnosis and management will help in reducing VHE-related morbidity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43615, USA. Chandani.lewis@utoledo.edu
authors.forename: Chandani
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: Abhishek
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Deshpande
authors.forename: George E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Tesar
authors.forename: Roman
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dale
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D006501:Hepatic Encephalopathy / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D022124:Hyperammonemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy; D008954:Models, Biological; D020258:Neurotoxicity Syndromes / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D014635:Valproic Acid