Acute hypersomnia due to valproate based treatment: A case report

Résumé

The onset of hypersomnia following a valproic acid based treatment is usually suggestive of a valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy. This condition is a rare complication that presents itself clinically with altered consciousness, lethargy, neurological deficits and cognitive impairment. Its diagnosis is based on the clinical manifestations, screening for high blood ammonia levels, and characterized electroencephalography (EEG) anomalies of encephalopathy. Management consists essentially of withdrawing valproate intake. Here we describe a clinical case of acute hypersomnia due to valproate-induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy.