The epilepsy drug Dilantin (Phenytoin) may be linked to a risk of cerebellar atrophy, a condition where the cerebellum shrinks to a much smaller size than normal, according to a medical study.

Dilantin (Phenytoin) can be considered the grandfather of all epilepsy medications. The drug is one of the first antiepileptic drugs prescribed for many epilepsy syndromes.

However, neurological researchers found a correlation between the long-term use of Dilantin and an increased risk of cerebellar atrophy, and published these findings in a 2004 medical journal.

The researchers conducted a study of epilepsy patients who used phenytoin over a period of two months.  Through the use of MRI scans, the researchers looked at cerebellar volumes and determined that a portion of patients showed signs of cerebellar atrophy.

While the researchers noted that phenytoin is frequently associated with cerebellar atrophy, they cautioned that the duration of a patient’s epilepsy may influence whether a patient develops cerebellar atrophy.

What is Dilantin Used For?

Dilantin is a brand name for the generic drug phenytoin sodium, which is manufactured by Pfizer. It is used to reduce the electrical conductance among brain cells, thereby lessening the runaway brain activity seen in epileptic patients when suffering a seizure.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Dilantin in 1982. Phenytoin sodium was the first modern antiepileptic drug developed, and has been in use since 1938.

It remains one of the most widely used drugs in the world. Although in most cases it is now used as a second-line therapy, it’s still the drug of choice in the emergency treatment of seizures and status epilepticus.

For the most part, Dilantin has been used for treating generalized and partial tonic clonic seizures and complex partial (psychomotor, temporal lobe) seizures. It’s also used for prevention and treatment of seizures occurring during or following neurosurgery.

Dilantin Lawsuits

Cerebellar Atrophy is a serious progressive condition where the cerebellum shrinks to a much smaller size than normal. The condition often leads to character change, tremor and loss of function, such as slurred speech and ataxic movement.

If you or a loved one suffered a type of focal cerebral atrophy known as cerebellar atrophy or ataxia after taking Dilantin or the generic form phenytoin, you may be eligible to join a FREE phenytoin lawsuit/Dilantin lawsuit investigation and pursue compensation for your injuries.