Post-traumatic headache with scintillating scotoma treated with phenytoin (Dilantin)

Headache. 1989 Sep;29(8):515-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1526-4610.1989.hed2908515.x.

Abstract

A post-traumatic headache patient was experiencing "flashing lights" in her visual field that correlated with sharp waves on the EEG. Phenytoin markedly improved the symptoms. The value of the EEG in post-traumatic headaches is reviewed. The use of phenytoin in headache syndromes and in prevention of post-traumatic epilepsy is discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic*
  • Craniocerebral Trauma / complications*
  • Electroencephalography
  • Epilepsy, Post-Traumatic / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Headache / drug therapy*
  • Headache / etiology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Phenytoin / therapeutic use*
  • Scotoma / drug therapy*
  • Scotoma / etiology

Substances

  • Phenytoin