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

Mov Disord. 1993;8(1):19-27. doi: 10.1002/mds.870080104.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cerebral Infarction / complications*
  • Cerebral Infarction / diagnosis
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / diagnosis
  • Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / etiology*
  • Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / diagnosis
  • Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurologic Examination / drug effects
  • Phenytoin / adverse effects*
  • Phenytoin / therapeutic use
  • Thalamic Diseases / complications*
  • Thalamic Diseases / diagnosis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Phenytoin