Phenytoin and postoperative epilepsy. A double-blind study

J Neurosurg. 1983 May;58(5):672-7. doi: 10.3171/jns.1983.58.5.0672.

Abstract

A double-blind trial of phenytoin therapy following craniotomy was performed to test the hypothesis that phenytoin is effective in reducing postoperative epilepsy. A significant reduction in the frequency of epilepsy was observed in the group receiving the active drug up to the 10th postoperative week. Half of the seizures occurred in the first 2 weeks and two-thirds within 1 month of cranial surgery. High rates of epilepsy were observed after surgery in patients with meningioma, metastasis, aneurysm, and head injury. Routine prophylaxis with phenytoin (in a dosage of 5 to 6 mg/kg/day) would seem to be indicated, particularly in high-risk patients and, where possible, this treatment should be started 1 week preoperatively. Seizure control is best when therapeutic levels of phenytoin are maintained.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Craniotomy
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenytoin / administration & dosage*
  • Postoperative Complications / drug therapy

Substances

  • Phenytoin