Abstract
Discovered in 1938, phenytoin is an antiepileptic prescription drug used primarily to control seizures (convulsions) in certain types of epilepsy. Its range of clinical use is broad and some have dubbed phenytoin's wide parameters as remarkable. This paper shows that before arriving at any conclusion, however, it is imperative that one analyzes the known facts surrounding this drug and its versatile capabilities.

From the Paper
"One of the best ways to avoid such reactions is to use caution by becoming aware of one's medical condition and history. The liver is the chief site of biotransformation of phenytoin; patients with impaired liver function, elderly patients, or those gravely ill may show early signs of toxicity. A small percentage of individuals who have been treated with phenytoin have been shown to metabolize the drug slowly. Slow metabolism may be due to limited enzyme availability and lack of induction; it may be genetically determined."

Tags:Dilantin/Dilantin, IV, tonic-clonic, prescriptive, drugs

Abstract
This paper looks at epilepsy and discusses the different types, symptoms, medication and social impacts as well as its treatment and aftercare. It includes basic understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease process and how drug actions and chemicals in the brain thought to contribute to the disease.

Outline
Disease Classification
Normal Physiology and the Effects of the Disease
Treatment for the Disease
Patient Care

From the Paper
"The symptoms of Epilepsy, in my opinion and using the aforementioned evidence, definitely reflect the effects of the disease on the "normal" physiological functioning of the body. The chaotic, unregulated neuronal discharge in the cortex seems to have, from a simplistic point of view, a direct and visible correlation with the chaotic events, muscular spasm and loss of involuntary functions e.g., Breathing, bladder control or swallowing. The complexities of diagnosis and detection of the areas of brain cortex responsible for the discharge are made somewhat easier by the use of EEG, this also simplifies diagnosis of each individual as well as identifying which strain they may have. Although Monton (1985) does state that EEG has its limitations and therefore requires clinical assessment to be used in conjunction with EEG for effective and accurate investigation and diagnosis."

Tags:absence, acid, aminobutyric, carbamazepine, clonic, epileptic, gamma, seizures, sodium, tonic, valproate