Case report shows phenytoin terminated absence status and suppressed inter-ictal bursts, suggesting potential effectiveness.
An 11 year old female with a first episode of absence status is described. Clinical manifestations, ictal and post-ictal EEGs were generalized. An IV loading dose of phenytoin resulted in an abrupt cessation of both clinical and EEG ictal phenomena, and later was found to be effective in suppressing inter-ictal bursts of 3 per second spike and slow wave discharges. This response is unusual since phenytoin is considered ineffective in controlling petit mal epilepsy.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Amit et al. (1986) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: