A rare case of phenytoin-induced cerebellar atrophy

Abstract

Epilepsy is a common health problem and affects humans of any age. Phenytoin is indicated in all types of seizure except in absence epilepsy. It has a wide range of pharmacokinetic properties with a narrow therapeutic range thus often leading to toxicity. Long-term neurological side effects of phenytoin include cerebellar atrophy. Therefore, monitoring of plasma levels should be done in patients on long-term phenytoin. Here, we describe a case of cerebellar degeneration in a post-operated brain abscess patient on chronic phenytoin therapy.