Hyperammonemic encephalopathy related to valproate, phenobarbital, and topiramate synergism

Abstract

We present a woman with epilepsy secondary to a lesion in the left frontal lobe. She developed episodes of disorientation and behavioral changes. She was taking valproic acid (1500 mg/day), topiramate (200 mg/day), and phenobarbital (100 mg/day). During an episode, the EEG revealed moderate encephalopathy and ammonia levels were increased (195 μg/dL, reference range: 11-60 μg/dL). Episodes ceased after withdrawal of valproic acid.