Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes abnormal activity in the brain, known as seizures.

Individuals with epilepsy most often must manage their condition through medication or, in more severe cases, through surgery.

Some individuals with epilepsy have a condition that can be mild and easily managed, while others experience very severe consequences of the disorder that can cause brain damage.

Dilantin and Cerebellar Atrophy

Dilantin (phenytoin)
is one of the more common drugs to treat partial seizures. Not only can this anticonvulsant drug be given as a daily medication to manage seizures, it also can be given intravenously in the hospital to quickly control active seizures.

However, Dilantin use has been linked to a type of brain condition called focal cerebral atrophy (shrinkage). Focal cerebral atrophy is a reduction in the size of the brain. It can be generalized, meaning the entire brain can shrink, or it can be focal (localized), affecting only a certain part of the brain.

With Dilantin use, a type of focal cerebral atrophy occurs, specifically affecting the part of the brain called the cerebellum. This is known as cerebellar atrophy.

Since the cerebellum controls movement, balance, coordination, and speech. Individuals using Dilantin may develop issues with these tasks as a result of using the drug.

Research Study Questions Possible Links to Cerebellar Atrophy

A study was published in 2000 that looked at cerebellar atrophy in individuals who have temporal lobe epilepsy, the most common form of partial epilepsy.

The study aimed to determine if there were any clinical factors associated with cerebellar atrophy and to determine if the atrophy was unilateral (on one side of the brain only) or asymmetric in any way.

The study looked at comparing brain images via MRI in both the study group of individuals with epilepsy and a control group of those without epilepsy.

Total brain volumes were not significantly different between epilepsy patients and control subjects, meaning that brain size in those with and without epilepsy overall was the same.

In those with epilepsy, however, the study found that individuals with epilepsy had statistically significant atrophy.

In terms of how much the size of the cerebellum was reduced, those with focal cerebellar atrophy had experienced a significant reduction of volume in the cerebellum.

There was no difference between the volumes of the right and left hemisphere, as both sides appeared to shrink at the same rate. Even if seizures occurred on one side of the brain, the whole cerebellum in both hemispheres of the brain were affected and showed a reduction in size.

They also found that duration of epilepsy was statistically significant in its association with focal cerebral atrophy. The age of onset of epilepsy was also important in looking at cerebellar atrophy, though the result was not statistically significant.

The researchers in the study stated that they planned to study individuals who have taken antiepileptic drugs for a long period of time who had seizures under control with medication.

Other studies besides the one described here have shown that Dilantin has been shown to be linked with cerebellar atrophy. It is interesting to note that other studies have also shown that the cerebellum may in fact be responsible for inhibiting seizures.

The concern is then raised that if the cerebellum begins to shrink and lose function with Dilantin use, then its ability to inhibit seizures may be compromised. This may be leading patients in an endless circle where they are unable to control their seizures with the very medication that was intended to help.

Dilantin Lawsuit Information

If you or a loved one has developed cerebellar atrophy as a result of taking Dilantin, you may be eligible to receive legal compensation. An attorney will review your case at no charge to you and can assist you in determining your legal options.