Does long‐term phenytoin have a place in Dravet syndrome?

Abstract

Abstract Anti‐seizure medications that block sodium channels are generally considered contraindicated in Dravet syndrome. There is, however, considerable debate about the sodium‐channel blocker phenytoin, which is often used for status epilepticus, a frequent feature of Dravet syndrome. We describe four patients with Dravet syndrome in whom long‐term phenytoin therapy reduced seizure frequency and duration. In two patients, phenytoin produced prolonged periods without status epilepticus for the first time. Attempting to wean phenytoin in all patients after 1 to 20 years of use resulted in seizure exacerbation. Reintroducing phenytoin improved seizure control, suggesting phenytoin is beneficial in some patients with Dravet syndrome.