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Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery in Children Through Novel Biomarkers and Enhanced Localization
Published on: September 20, 2024
Divergence Palsy due to Divalproex and Oxcarbazepine
Marc Albert Bouffard1, Louis R Caplan, Nurhan Torun
1*Department of Ophthalmology, Division of Neuro-Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary; †Department of Neurology; and ‡Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA.
Objective:
This case series is the first to describe divergence palsy as an adverse effect of antiepileptic drug use. Diplopia is a common adverse effect of antiepileptic drugs, but no explanatory motility deficit has ever been reported.
Methods:
We present 2 patients, 1 on oxcarbazepine and 1 on divalproex, each with a normal examination result between spells and divergency palsy when symptomatic.
Results:
Discontinuation of the antiepileptic medication led to resolution of the episodes in both cases. Rechallenge with the offending agent after washout in one patient resulted in recurrence of diplopia and divergence palsy, both resolving after subsequent withdrawal of the antiepileptic.
Conclusions:
Antiepileptic drugs may cause divergence palsy.
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