Reversible weakness and encephalopathy while on long-term valproate treatment due to carnitine deficiency.
We describe a case of a 35-year-old woman who presented with bilateral leg weakness and encephalopathy while on long-term valproate therapy. She was diagnosed with valproate-induced encephalopathy due to carnitine deficiency. Clinical improvement occurred with oral carnitine supplementation. Our case report highlights the importance of considering carnitine deficiency in patients presenting with unexplained neurological signs while on long-term valproate treatment.
Darlington Memorial Hospital, Darlington, Durham, UK.
Ahmed
A
Al-sharefi
Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK.
Rudy
R
Bilous
D000328:Adult; D018692:Antimanic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D009202:Cardiomyopathies / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications; D002331:Carnitine / Q000097:blood / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D022124:Hyperammonemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000139:chemically induced*; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014635:Valproic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D018692:Antimanic Agents; D014635:Valproic Acid; D002331:Carnitine