While available since the 1950s, the antiepileptic medication has been linked to a number of serious adverse effects including severe allergic reactions and brain damage.

More specifically, the cerebral atrophy side effects of Dilantin have recently gained public attention after a number of recent studies have indicated long term Dilantin exposure can impact cerebral connections.

Cerebral atrophy, or atrophy of the brain, occurs when the connective tissue of the brain becomes damaged or degenerates.

This condition can be generalized, where the entire brain shrinks, or focal where only a certain area of the brain becomes damaged respectively.

Cerebral atrophy affects the neurons that connect the brain and spine to the entire body, resulting in the patient developing problems in movement and speech.

While this condition can be caused by a number of factors, from traumatic injury to degenerative diseases, the cerebral atrophy side effects of Dilantin have garnered the most recent concern.

Overview of Cerebral Atrophy Side Effects of Dilantin

According to the research conducted to observe the cerebral atrophy side effects of Dilantin, long term exposure to the medication increases the chances of occurrence.

Ever since a 1994 study, scientists observed that patients with high exposure phenytoin levels have significantly smaller cerebelli compared to non exposed patients.

This study was conducted to observe how phenytoin affects the brain when the patient experiences a seizure.

In a different earlier study published in the July 2003 issue of the European Journal of Epilepsy, researchers examined long term phenytoin patients.

The study consisted of 56 patients, with researchers finding 20 cases of cerebral atrophy.

The 2003 study further indicated the cerebral atrophy side effects of Dilantin may be a prominent concern, with a later study adding to the evidence.

In a case study published in 2007, researchers analyzed a female phenytoin patient who had reportedly developed cerebral atrophy side effects of Dilantin.

She had been began taking phenytoin to treat her epilepsy, and had been diagnosed with cerebral atrophy in her 30s after a brain CT scan.

Due to not showing any early symptoms, she was diagnosed with the condition at a latent stage.

The cerebral atrophy side effects of Dilantin vary between patients, but the damage is permanent and should be contained as early as possible.

Cerebral atrophy side effects of Dilantin include:

• Unsteady Movements
• Slow, Unsteady, or Jerky Movements in Arms or Legs
• Slow or Slurred Speech
• Small Rapid Eye Movements (Nystagmus)

Patients who believe they have developed Dilantin cerebral atrophy may be able to file legal action against Pfizer Inc., for failing to warn them against this complication. Potential claimants should consult a specialized lawyer to determine their eligibility for a Dilantin cerebral atrophy lawsuit.