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Peripheral neuropathy in epileptic patients

Department of Neurology (Drs Swift and Gross and Ms Crout) and Psychiatry (Dr Ward), Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA.

The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in 186 epileptic patients was 16.7%. The neuropathy was characterized by stocking hypesthesia and reduced Achilles reflexes, and it occurred with all anticonvulsant agents. Electrophysiologic tests indicated slowing of peroneal and sural nerve conduction velocity and prolongation or absence of H reflexes and F responses. The prevalence of neuropathy was not greater in patients receiving phenytoin, and there was no relationship between clinical or electrical abnormalities and blood levels or duration of treatment for either phenytoin or phenobarbital. We did not find a specific relationship between phenytoin usage and peripheral neuropathy in epileptic patients.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr Swift, Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912.

This study was supported by NIH—NINCDS Grant No NO1-NS-6-2340.

Accepted for publication October 13, 1980.