USUAL ERRATIC PHENOMENON AND DRAMATIC OUTCOME A CASE REPORT OF PHENYTOIN TOXICITY

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:
Dr. Ketan L. Pakhale,
Flat No. 407,
Harsha Apartment,
Amrut Nagar, Ghatkopar (W),
Mumbai-400086.
Email: drketan.pakhale@gmail.com

ABSTRACT: Phenytoin is still one of the most commonly used antiepileptic drugs in clinical practice around the globe. It has a range of familiar prejudicious and side effects, which have been reported formerly including ataxia, dizziness, visual disturbance, nystagmus, diplopia and cognitive dysfunctions amongst others. Here we are reporting a rare case of phenytoin toxicity presenting dramatically as a behavioural disorder resulting from underlying primary adverse effects of phenytoin, which were clinically overlooked. Discontinuation of phenytoin resulted in remission of side effects as well as the secondary behavioural manifestations.

KEYWORDS: phenytoin toxicity, miscommunication, dramatic presentation, mislead, careful history taking.