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Case Reports
. 2012 Dec;12(6):598-9.
doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.12-6-598.

The ataxic cirrhotic

Tim Ambrose  1 , Nishchay Chandra
Affiliations
Case Reports

The ataxic cirrhotic

Tim Ambrose et al. Clin Med (Lond). 2012 Dec.

Abstract

Hepatic cirrhosis secondary to excess alcohol consumption is increasing in incidence, and these patients can develop ataxia secondary to direct toxic effects of alcohol on the cerebellum. However, it is important to remain vigilant for other causes of an unsteady gait, including space-occupying lesions and medications, such as phenytoin. Patients with hypoalbuminaemia, such as those with cirrhosis, are more prone to developing toxic effects from phenytoin, as this Lesson describes. Therefore, dose adjustments might be necessary.

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Figures

Fig 1.
Fig 1.
Photograph demonstrating gingival hypertrophy and hirsutism.
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References

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