Why is the patient taking Dilantin after a craniotomy?

The patient is taking Dilantin after a craniotomy primarily to prevent seizures. Following a craniotomy, which involves the surgical removal of a portion of the skull to access the brain, there is a heightened risk of seizure activity. This can be due to several factors, including irritation of the brain tissue and the changes in brain function after such a procedure. Dilantin, or phenytoin, is an anticonvulsant medication that helps stabilize electrical activity in the brain, thereby reducing the likelihood of seizures occurring during the critical recovery period.

While pain management may be necessary after surgery, Dilantin is specifically indicated for the prevention of seizures rather than for pain relief. Similarly, enhancing sleep quality and improving recovery time are important aspects of post-operative care, but they are not the primary reasons for the use of Dilantin in this context. The focus on seizure prevention highlights the vigilance necessary in monitoring and managing potential complications following neurosurgery.