Parkinsonism and/or Cognitive Impairment with Valproic Acid Therapy: A Report of Ten Cases

Abstract

Several cases of parkinsonian syndromes have been reported in the literature, but usually in children or young adults. These symptoms had an insidious and progressive onset. Clinical features can mimic Parkinson's disease and may be confusing, especially when they occur in older patients. The mechanism of these disorders is currently unknown, but several hypotheses have been proposed. Despite the good safety of VPA therapy for several years, a drug-induced mechanism of parkinsonism or cognitive impairment must be considered in all patients treated with VPA, as discontinuation of the drug can induce significant improvement of the patient's neurological and mental status.