Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026
14:13
Coordinate Mapping of Hyolaryngeal Mechanics in Swallowing
Published on: May 6, 2014
18.9K
Velopharyngeal Incoordination Caused by Phenytoin-Induced Toxicity
1From the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Republic of Korea.
Summary
Phenytoin can cause lymphoid hyperplasia leading to swallowing difficulties. Discontinuing the drug allows symptoms like nasal reflux and sleep apnea to resolve naturally, avoiding surgery.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Pathology
Background:
- Phenytoin is known to induce lymphoid proliferation, potentially causing various complications.
- These phenytoin-induced complications can range from benign hyperplasia to malignant lymphoma.
Observation:
- This report details a unique case of dysphagia, velopharyngeal dysfunction, and nasopharyngeal reflux.
- The patient presented with massive palatine tonsillar hypertrophy, a condition that emerged after phenytoin administration.
Findings:
- Video-fluoroscopic swallowing study and CT scans confirmed significant palatine tonsillar hypertrophy impacting the velopharyngeal and laryngeal areas.
- Symptoms including sleep apnea and nasal reflux, along with imaging abnormalities, resolved spontaneously within a month of discontinuing phenytoin.
Implications:
- This case highlights that phenytoin-induced lymphoid hypertrophy can manifest as severe dysphagia and velopharyngeal dysfunction.
- It suggests that discontinuing phenytoin and allowing time for spontaneous resolution is a viable alternative to surgical intervention for such complications.
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