Adverse cognitive effects of phenytoin in severe brain injury: a case report

Abstract

Background: The use of prophylactic anticonvulsants following brain injury is controversial. When used for this reason or for treatment of early seizures, anticonvulsants, particularly phenytoin, can cause severe cognitive side-effects.

Case report: This study presents a case of a woman with a severe brain injury with severe cognitive impairment who improved dramatically following withdrawal of phenytoin. The literature regarding such cognitive side-effects is contradictory with no consistent indication of choice of anticonvulsants to use in this situation.

Conclusion: As a result of the dramatic improvement in this case, one should now routinely withdraw or change phenytoin treatment in all brain injury patients with significant cognitive impairment.