Behavioral Effects of Anticonvulsant Prophylaxis: No Effect or Artifact?

Abstract
The effects that may be attributable to current use of anticonvulsants in patients with traumatic head injury were studied. The performances of 15 head-injured matched pairs were compared on a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological and psychosocial measures 1 yr post injury. The members of both groups were placed on anticonvulsants, principally phenytoin, immediately after the head injury. The members of one of the groups were still taking the drug at 1 yr; the others had discontinued prior to that time. Although results provided no evidence of appreciable side effects of anticonvulsants on formal neuropsychological or psychosocial measures, some methodological issues need to be considered in the interpretation of results and future studies of drug side effects.