Cerebellar atrophy and ataxia caused by "White Pill" (phenytoin) poisoning: A case report

Abstract Background Phenytoin is associated with acute and chronic toxic effects due to its narrow range of therapeutic index, and clinical symptoms and imaging changes of phenytoin toxicity are difficult to recover. Case presentation We present a case of a 23-year-old female who is a known case of generalized tonic-clonic seizures on phenytoin for 4 years and had developed cerebellar symptoms due to the cerebellar toxicity and atrophy caused by prolonged use of phenytoin. Patient’s symptoms improved upon gradually withdrawal of the drug. Conclusions We should recommended Epileptic to go to a regular hospital for treatment, regular monitoring drug concentration level of phenytoin, avoiding irreversible damage caused by phenytoin toxicity.