title: Phenytoin-induced asterixis--uncommon or under-diagnozed?
abstract: Asterixis is a recognized but uncommon clinical sign of phenytoin toxicity. A case is presented in which asterixis and acute cerebellar dysfunction occurred when the phenytoin levels reached the toxic range. It disappeared when the drug levels normalized. Asterixis is now classified as a form of negative myoclonus, which is characterized by irregular myoclonic lapses of posture. The neurochemistry and physiology of phenytoin causing asterixis has yet to be elucidated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: W M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Chi
authors.forename: K S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Chua
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Kong
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004409:Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010672:Phenytoin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D010672:Phenytoin