Millions of Americans rely on antiepileptic drugs to help control their seizures and other epileptic symptoms, but some of these drugs have been linked to severe side effects associated with these medications.

One common epilepsy drug is Dilantin, which has been linked to cerebellar atrophy. Dilantin is used to treat a variety of epileptic conditions and can also be used to prevent seizures after brain surgery.

Dilantin was approved by the FDA in 1953 and has earned Pfizer Inc. millions since its release. It has become one of America’s most popular antiepileptic drugs. However, recent studies and injury reports suggests that cerebellar atrophy could be a potential Dilantin side effect.

Cerebellar atrophy is when the brain’s cerebellum starts deteriorating, which can affect speech, basic movement and muscle coordination. This condition is one of the most severe complications associated with Dilantin, and can cause permanent brain damage if not treated in a timely manner.

Overview of Dilantin Cerebellar Atrophy

The cerebellum is part of the brain that is under the cerebrum, which sits behind the brain stem. As mentioned before, the cerebellum helps the body control voluntary muscle movements like balance, posture, coordination, and speech.

When the cerebellum becomes damaged, it makes basic movements such as walking and keeping a sense of balance very difficult.  At this point, scientists are not sure what causes cerebellar atrophy, but this condition can be linked to stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, seizures, other conditions, and now possibly to Dilantin use. Symptoms of cerebellar atrophy include:

• Unsteady walking gait
• Slow, unsteady, and jerking movements in arms or legs
• Slow or slurred speech
• Nystagmus (small rapid movements of the eyes)

Cerebellar atrophy became associated with Dilantin side effects because cerebellar deterioration has also been linked to brain toxicity from ethanol, chemotherapy, and phenytoin.

Recent research suggests that long-term use of this antiepileptic drug may lead to cerebellar atrophy based on affected research subjects exhibiting levels of Dilantin above the typical therapeutic level.

However, Dilantin side effect reports have also indicated that cerebellar atrophy can also appear in short-term, or normal therapeutic range, as well. One study, published in July 2003, found that patients with moderate to severe cerebellar atrophy found it was linked to long-term use of Dilantin.

Researchers of the study had examined the MRIs of adult patients who had been taking Dilantin for at least two months. While the study was meant to examine whether or not patients had any sort of atrophy due to epilepsy, the researchers ultimately found a potential addition to the long list of phenytoin side effects.

There is no cure for cerebellar atrophy, but the condition can be managed or reversed if diagnosed at an early stage. Recovery is possible if the patient stops taking Dilantin, but withdrawal needs to be approved and monitored by a medical physician.

Patients diagnosed with cerebellar atrophy and wondering if it is linked to their Dilantin prescription may be eligible to file legal action against Pfizer.