Phenytoin as a Neuroprotective Agent Against Corticosteroid-induced Functional Imaging Changes
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2009-07-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The purpose of this research is to determine if patients who receive phenytoin (also commonly
known as Dilantin) before taking corticosteroids will show less memory impairment and
hypomanic symptoms (feelings of agitation, overexcitement or hyperactivity) than those
receiving placebo (an inactive substance). This research also seeks to determine if patients
taking phenytoin before corticosteroids show more activity in the area of the brain involved
with memory than those receiving placebo.
This research is being done because increased levels of cortisol (the body's natural
corticosteroid) in the body are frequently associated with forgetfulness, and interventions
that may prevent or reverse this effect are of great importance.