Theophylline neurotoxicity resulting in significant unilateral brain-damage.

A case of theophylline neurotoxicity in a three-month-old infant is reported. Prolonged focal seizures with secondary generalization resulted in hemiparesis and developmental retardation, and CT demonstrated cerebral hemiatrophy. Later the infant developed recurrent focal and atonic convulsions, which were refractory to multiple anticonvulsants. Possible etiological factors, especially the pharmacological mechanisms by which theophylline can produce focal convulsions and result in brain damage, are discussed.