Phenytoin prolongs far‐field somatosensory and auditory evoked potential interpeak latencies

Abstract

Far-field auditory and somatosensory evoked potentials were recorded in 163 epileptic patients and 31 normal controls. Analysis of variance revealed significant effects on interpeak latencies of age, sex, and phenytoin levels in three ranges: subtherapeutic, therapeutic, and toxic. Toxic levels of phenytoin may affect peripheral and central axons, slowing conduction. Therapeutic levels of phenytoin may prolong far-field interpeak latencies by acting on synapses.