Phenytoin-Induced Thrombocytopenia

Abstract

Due to widespread use of phenytoin, clinicians must recognize the potential for the rare but serious adverse effect of thrombocytopenia, particularly in the neurosurgical population. Confusion, as observed in our patient, makes postoperative evaluation of central nervous system and cognitive function difficult, and can obscure the clinical presentation. At its worst extreme, disruption of platelet function may produce cerebral hemorrhage, which results in long-term functional deficits.