Epileptic patients often take Dilantin (phenytoin) to control seizures, but unfortunately, adverse effects of phenytoin can be debilitating.

Some side effects are related to the dosage of the medicine or to the length of time a patient has been taking it. Headache, nausea, vomiting and constipation are possible adverse effects of phenytoin. Some patients experience dizziness, drowsiness, nervousness or trouble sleeping.

Patients taking phenytoin are advised to massage their gums and to brush and floss teeth regularly because the medication can cause swelling and bleeding of the gum tissue.

Other adverse effects of phenytoin can include excessive hair growth, increased thirst or urination, bone or joint pain, or even bones that break more easily.

Phenytoin and Cerebellar Atrophy

One of the more severe effects of phenytoin is Cerebellar Atrophy. Cerebellar atrophy is the process of degeneration of the neurons in the cerebellum. When these neurons deteriorate and die, the resulting condition is called cerebellar atrophy.

Phenytoin works by interrupting the neurons in the brain, which slows the electrical impulses that cause seizures. Phenytoin’s purpose is to interrupt these neurons to control seizures, but when too many of these neurons are interrupted, the result can lead to adverse effects of phenytoin.

Phenytoin cerebellar atrophy can make a person walk as if they are intoxicated with a swaying or stumbling walk. Sometimes, a person with phenytoin cerebellar atrophy symptoms will no longer be able to sit on the edge of a bed because of an uncontrollable bobbing motion of the trunk or head.

Other symptoms of cerebellar atrophy include:

• Uncoordinated movements of the arms or legs
• Clumsiness with daily activities
• Difficulty walking (unsteadiness)
• Speech disturbances such as changes in tone, pitch, and volume
• Visual complaints
• Abnormal eye movements
• Accompanying symptoms may include:
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Changes in mental state (such as personality or behavioral changes)
  • Chaotic eye movements

Phenytoin Is a Toxin to the Cerebellum

Cerebellar atrophy can be caused by strokes, multiple sclerosis, tumors, cysts and toxins. Studies have shown that Dilantin can be a toxin to the cerebellum.

Even though it’s known that seizures themselves can cause brain atrophy, a 1994 study allowed for this fact when observing patients who took Dilantin and those who did not. The cerebelli of those treated with Dilantin were much smaller than that portion of the brain in non-treated patients.

Severity and incidence of Dilantin cerebellar atrophy symptoms appeared to be related to the doses of Dilantin ingested.

Cerebellar Atrophy Prognosis

Cerebellar atrophy is rare, but it is a serious condition that can have permanent effects.

Anyone who has been taking phenytoin and has experienced any of the side effects listed above should contact a doctor immediately. Sometimes the reduction or elimination of phenytoin can ultimately result in some of the cerebral atrophy symptoms subsiding. A doctor can evaluate your seizure history, phenytoin dosages and current symptoms to determine your cerebellar atrophy prognosis.

If you or a loved one have experienced adverse effects of phenytoin, you could be eligible to file a lawsuit or work through a class action lawsuit for compensation for your suffering, hospitalization, missed work hours and other impacts of the debilitation.