According to studies, patients who have used Dilantin may be at risk for developing a condition known as cerebellar atrophy.

Dilantin is a common prescription medication that is prescribed for the treatment of conditions such as epilepsy. It is a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug. But like any other drug, Dilantin has its side effects. Some of the side effects include Dilantin cerebellar atrophy and cerebellar toxicity.

Dilantin cerebellar atrophy is a degeneration of the cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that is responsible for body functions such as muscular activity and coordination. The cerebellum is located in the back of the brain of the skull in vertebrates. Any degeneration of the cerebellum can cause adverse effects and complications affecting functions of the body such as coordination, speech, and movement.

Dilantin Cerebellar Atrophy Side Effect

Dilantin cerebellar atrophy is a type of focal cerebral atrophy, which affects only one part of the brain. Cerebellar atrophy is a loss of neurons and neural pathways within the cerebellum. The cerebellum, which functions to control movement and coordination, sits behind the brain stem but underneath the cerebrum.

Any kind of brain atrophy will cause a degradation of the functions that that part of the brain controls. As mentioned, functions of the cerebellum including the regulation of voluntary movement such as: balance, posture, coordination, speech, and precise movement.

For that reason, symptoms of Dilantin cerebellar atrophy are mostly movement-related. They may include memory loss, slow and slurred speech, slow, unsteady, jerky movements in the arms or legs, and an unsteady, lurching walk, which often includes a back and forth tremor in the main part of the body. Patients may also present with nystagmus, which is rapid and uncontrolled movement of the eyes.

These symptoms can have negative effects on a patient’s ability to perform occupational tasks and ordinary activities of daily living. Walking around may become difficult or even unsafe due to a lack of balance and coordination. Fine motor skills, like those required for typing, writing, cutting food, or putting on clothes, may also be impaired. Speech may become hard to understand, and swallowing food becomes dangerous because of an increased risk of choking.

The effects of cerebellar atrophy may also extend to other brain functions, causing emotional, behavioral, or cognitive symptoms.

Dilantin cerebellar atrophy may cause routine movements to become unsteady and difficult. The symptoms of Dilantin cerebellar atrophy are also said to be similar to the symptoms associated with stroke.

Research shows that Dilantin cerebellar atrophy tends to manifest in patients who use Dilantin for long-term treatment. Higher dosage levels also increase the likelihood of cerebellar atrophy.