Dilantin brain shrinkage has been seen in some patients who take the anti-seizure medication.

Pfizer’s Dilantin (phenytoin) is an anticonvulsant that works by interfering with the impulses in the brain that cause seizures.

The affected part of the brain is the cerebellum which controls posture, balance, movement, speech and coordination. The cerebellum is located above and behind the brainstem.

Patients with Dilantin brain shrinkage experience a degeneration of the neurons in the cerebellum. When these neurons deteriorate and die, the resulting condition is called cerebellar atrophy.

Dilantin works by interrupting the neurons in the brain, which slows the electrical impulses that cause seizures. Dilantin’s sole purpose is to interrupt these neurons to control seizures, but this action can come with consequences.

Constantly interrupting the communication between the neurons appears to have a negative effect upon the neurons themselves.

Dilantin Brain Shrinkage Causes Lack of Coordination

Symptoms of Dilantin brain shrinkage can mimic those of a stroke. An afflicted person may walk as if they are intoxicated with a swaying or stumbling walk. Sometimes, the patient will no longer be able to sit on the edge of a bed because of an uncontrollable bobbing motion of the trunk or head, a condition known as titubation.

In addition to uncoordinated movements of the arms and legs, Dilantin brain shrinkage can cause speech disturbances and visual problems. Other symptoms include abnormal, chaotic eye movements, headache, dizziness, or even changes in personality and behavior.

Speech problems can vary. A person suffering from Dilantin brain shrinkage might place an irregular emphasis on syllables. Changes in tone, pitch and volume or even slurred speech are possible symptoms.

Even though it’s known that seizures themselves can cause brain atrophy, a 1994 study published by the National Institutes of Health allowed for this fact when researchers observed patients who took Dilantin and those who did not. The cerebelli of those treated with Dilantin were much smaller than that portion of the brain in non-treated patients.

The study included 36 patients from an epilepsy center. To ensure accuracy, patients with certain histories of drug abuse or neurodegenerative disorders were excluded. Researchers analyzed magnetic resonance images (MRI) of control groups of healthy volunteers and of patients who had experienced headaches and dizziness. Dilantin brain shrinkage was significantly more pronounced in patients than in the healthy volunteers.

Cerebellar atrophy is rare, but it is a serious condition that can have permanent effects.

Anyone who has been taking Dilantin and has experienced any of the side effects listed above should contact a doctor immediately. Sometimes the reduction or elimination of Dilantin can ultimately result in some of the Dilantin brain shrinkage symptoms subsiding. A doctor can evaluate your seizure history, Dilantin dosages and current symptoms to determine your prognosis.

If you or a loved one has Dilantin brain shrinkage, you could benefit from speaking to a lawyer regarding your eligibility for compensation.