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Extremely acute phenytoin-induced peripheral neuropathy
1Department of Pediatrics, Niigata City General Hospital, Japan.
Epilepsia
|April 29, 1999
Summary
Acute peripheral neuropathy is a rare side effect of phenytoin (PHT). This case report details an extremely rare instance of PHT-induced peripheral neuropathy developing within hours of initial administration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Peripheral neuropathy is a known, albeit rare, adverse effect of phenytoin (PHT) therapy.
- Typically, PHT-induced peripheral neuropathy manifests after prolonged drug exposure.
Observation:
- An 18-year-old female patient presented with epilepsy requiring phenytoin administration.
- Within hours of receiving PHT, she developed distal lower extremity paresthesia and motor weakness, with absent Achilles reflexes.
Findings:
- Electrophysiological studies indicated reduced sensory nerve conduction velocity and prolonged distal latencies in the lower extremities.
- Symptoms resolved, and electrophysiological parameters normalized after PHT discontinuation.
Implications:
- This case highlights an extremely rare acute onset of PHT-induced peripheral neuropathy, occurring hours after initial PHT administration.
- Clinicians should maintain vigilance for acute peripheral neuropathy as a potential adverse effect of phenytoin, even with short-term use.
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