Long term Dilantin neurological side effects have been repeatedly linked to cerebellar atrophy, causing chronic problems in movement and speech for patients.

Cerebellar atrophy has been associated with Dilantin neurological side effectssince 1994, when a study found that Dilantin patients exhibited significantly smaller cerebella. This study was the first inquiry to take note of possible long term Dilantin neurological side effects, which could impose significant interference to daily life.

Dilantin (phenytoin) is one of the most popular and oldest antiepileptic medications in the country, earning FDA approval in 1953. Manufactured by Pfizer Inc., this medication has been prescribed to millions of patients to treat their epileptic conditions.

This medication is often prescribed to patients suffering from grand mal seizures and complex partial seizures that occur due to epilepsy. In addition, Dilantin can also be prescribed to patients who recently underwent neurosurgery, to prevent and treat seizures.

Overview of Dilantin Neurological Side Effects

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes patients to experience seizures, due to the brain being unable to keep up with the electrical signals. Dilantin works by slowing down these signals, ultimately preventing the onset of seizures.

Even though this medication has helped millions of patients, the long term Dilantin neurological side effects has left many physicians and patients wary. Cerebral atrophy is when the brain or a part within the brain begins to shrink or deteriorate.

This condition can either be focal or general, with cerebellar atrophy referring specifically to the gradual deterioration of the cerebellum. This condition effects the patient’s basic abilities of speech, movement, and muscle coordination. If not treated promptly, cerebellar atrophy can potentially cause permanent brain damage.

The cerebellum is the part of the brain that sits under the cerebrum, which is behind the brain stem. The speech and movement side effects associated with this condition stem from the fact that the cerebellum is responsible for voluntary muscle movements including balance, posture, coordination, and speech.

At this point in time, scientists are unsure what exactly triggers cerebellar atrophy, but drug toxicity has been indicated as an instigator in the past. Other times, traumatic incidents like head injuries or degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s have also been linked to cerebellar atrophy.

Currently there is no cure for cerebellar atrophy, but the condition can be managed or even reversed if diagnosed at an early stage.

Recovery may be possible if the patient stops taking Dilantin, but withdrawal needs to be approved and monitored by a medical physician. Early diagnosis would give patients the most treatment options, so Dilantin users should look out for any cerebellar atrophy symptoms including:

• Unsteady Walking Gait
• Slow, Unsteady, and Jerking Arm or Leg Movements
• Slow or Slurred Speech
• Nystagmus (Small Rapid Eye Movements)
• Blurred or Double Vision
• Fatigue
• Nausea and Vomiting

It is important to note that these Dilantin cerebellar atrophy symptoms can appear in both short term and long term Dilantin exposure patients.

Even though these Dilantin neurological side effects can be potentially devastating to patients, the warnings accompanying Dilantin may not be adequate to inform patients about the risks they face. Patients who allegedly experienced Dilantin neurological side effects may be able to file legal action against the company.