Stuporous states or coma induced by the rapid administration of high doses of sodium valproate

7 cases of stuporous states or coma induced in epileptic subjects by the rapid administration of high doses of sodium valproate are described. Progressive impairment of consciousness began 2 to 7 days after the administration of sodium valproate and induced a slowing of background EEG activity until the delta activity became of high amplitude, generalized, continuous and areactive. The authors believe that the impairment of consciousness in their patients was related to the rapid administration of high doses and a direct intrinsic action of sodium valproate on the brain, as no increase in plasma levels of the drugs in association with valproate was observed.