Phenytoin and dyskinesias: a report of two cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Dyskinesia is a recognized but uncommon side-effect of treatment with phenytoin. Two additional cases of dyskinesia during treatment with phenytoin are described; both had radiographically documented thalamic infarctions. The reported experience to date with movement disorders induced by phenytoin is reviewed and the clinical features summarized. The available experimental evidence addressing the mechanism underlying this side effect is discussed.