Epileptic patients often take Dilantin (phenytoin) to control seizures. The drug interrupts the neurons in the brain, slowing the electrical impulses that cause seizures.

This same action that controls seizures has also been linked to Dilantin side effects.

Unfortunately, Dilantin allegedly causes deterioration of the cerebellum, a condition known as cerebellar atrophy. The cerebellum is located above and behind the brain stem and is responsible for controlling movement and coordination.

What is Cerebellar Atrophy?

Cerebellar atrophy is a form of cerebral atrophy, and it is the degeneration of neurons in the cerebellum. When the brain tissue degenerates, it loses neurons. The resulting condition is called focal cerebral atrophy or cerebellar atrophy.

Dilantin is intended to interrupt the brain’s neurons to control seizures, but it could be doing damage to other neurons in the process.

Signs of Cerebellar Atrophy

The cerebellum controls coordination and movement, posture, balance and speech.

Early cerebellar atrophy symptoms can include:

• Uncoordinated movements of the limbs or trunk
• 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

Cerebral Atrophy and Dilantin

Cerebral atrophy can be caused by strokes, multiple sclerosis, tumors, cysts and toxins.

Seizures also can result in cerebral atrophy. However, a 1994 study allowed for this fact when patients who took Dilantin and those who did not received MRIs of their brains.

The cerebelli of those who had been taking Dilantin were much smaller than that portion of the brain in non-treated patients.

Other Dilantin Side Effects

Patients might exhibit the following most commonly seen Dilantin side effects:

• Nausea, vomiting, constipation
• Rash
• Headache
• Confusion, dizziness, nervousness
• Sleep problems (insomnia)

Other Dilantin side effects can include panic attacks, aggressiveness, depression and suicidal thoughts, all of which should be reported to a doctor immediately.

Cerebellar Atrophy

In 1977, a study showed that epileptics with intellectual development disorder were more susceptible to Dilantin side effects.

Of 131 patients, 73 were diagnosed with Dilantin intoxication; 18 of those showed a persistent loss of coordinated movement. Those 18 patients showed the most cerebral atrophy.

There also was a relationship between the high serum level of Dilantin and the loss of coordinated movement. Researchers recommended routine monitoring of Dilantin levels in the blood.

Dilantin Lawsuits

Dilantin has been used as an anti-seizure drug for decades, but long-term use is affiliated with possible cerebellar atrophy. If you or someone you know has taken Dilantin and suffered side effects of degenerative brain damage, you could be eligible for compensation through a class action lawsuit.