Pathological laughter following intravenous sodium valproate

Can J Neurol Sci. 1998 Aug;25(3):252-3. doi: 10.1017/s0317167100034107.

Abstract

Background: Pathological laughter can be a sign of epilepsy, psychiatric illness, effect of toxins or psychotropic drugs or of structural brain disease.

Method: Case Studies.

Result: Two patients developed inappropriate uncontrollable laughter following intravenous sodium valproate for treatment of epilepsy.

Conclusion: Pathological laughter can be a side effect of intravenous sodium valproate.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anticonvulsants / administration & dosage
  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intravenous
  • Laughter / psychology*
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Mental Disorders / psychology*
  • Seizures / complications
  • Seizures / drug therapy
  • Seizures / psychology
  • Valproic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Valproic Acid / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants
  • Valproic Acid