Phenytoin and Choreic Movements

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Abstract
To the Editor: In the February 23 issue of the Journal Dr. DeVeaugh-Geiss reported exacerbation of tardive dyskinesia by phenytoin. The author's statement that movement disorders induced by neuroleptics and phenytoin resemble one another and "probably reflect similar pathophysiologic mechanisms in the nigrastriatum" is, in our opinion, probably erroneous for a number of reasons.We recently studied a patient with generalized chorea and lingual-facial-buccal dyskinesias that were clearly related to the administration of phenytoin at therapeutic levels, in the absence of other signs of intoxication. Her only pertinent past medical history was an episode of Sydenham's chorea and subsequent chorea . . .