Electrophysiological studies of the action of intravenous diphenylhydantoin (Dilantin®)

Abstract

It has been demonstrated that intravenous Dilantin (10 mg/kg) has no effect on either the normal direct cortical response or the augmented response characteristic of epileptic cortex. It does not alter the spontaneous pattern of firing of cortical neurons in normal cortex or their activity evoked by afferent stimulation. It has no effect on spontaneous, high-frequency, burst firing characteristic of cells in the epileptic focus. Finally, Dilantin has no effect on the spiking activity which characterizes the electroencephalogram of epileptic cortex. It is inferred that intravenous Dilantin may not be effective for status epilepticus. Although Dilantin does not appear to have any immediate anticonvulsant action in therapeutic doses, speculations are presented to account for the anticonvulsant action of this drug when chronically administered.