[Valproate can induce reversible encephalopathy].

Valproate (VPA) is a widely used antiepileptic drug - also in the elderly. A female patient was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 60 years and treated with VPA for 16 years before developing tremor, rigidity, cognitive impairment and descending consciousness progressing to coma. After discontinuation of VPA she regained full consciousness, could talk and feed herself. The extrapyramidal and cognitive symptoms completely subsided during the following months. VPA-induced encephalopathy is an uncommon but serious adverse effect that should be considered in patients with cognitive decline during VPA treatment.