Dilantin induced cerebellar atrophy is a major concern for the patient population and medical community, with this drug being one of the oldest and reliable antiepileptic medications in the United States.

Millions of patients rely on the drug’s treatment mechanism, but the risk of Dilantin induced cerebellar atrophy has been seen in several studies and cited in a number of injury reports.

Also described as focal cerebral atrophy, cerebellar atrophy is the damage or deterioration of the cerebellum. Since the cerebellum is responsible for speech and balance in the brain, cerebellar atrophy can be potentially devastating.

A number of different factors can contribute to the development of the condition, including degenerative disease and traumatic incidents. Drug toxicity is another potential cause, with Dilantin (phenytoin) reportedly interfering or causing damage to the brain’s cerebellum.

At this time, scientists are unsure why Dilantin may cause cerebellar atrophy, but they believe it may be linked to the drug’s treatment mechanism. Dilantin works by slowing down the electrical signals in the brain, to prevent the onset of seizures. By interfering with the brain’s process, phenytoin could be causing some kind of interference.

Overview of Dilantin Induced Cerebellar Atrophy

The medical community first discovered the risk of Dilantin induced cerebellar atrophy in the 1990s, when scientists noticed Dilantin patients had significantly smaller cerebella. This study was conducted in 1994 in order to observe how the drug’s treatment mechanism affected the brain.

Diagnostic images showed phenytoin patients had smaller cereblli compared to non-exposed patients and this spurred several other inquiries. Another significant study to observe this correlation was conducted in 2003 which showed that long-term phenytoin exposure may increase the chances of cerebellar atrophy.

In addition to these studies, patients have reported developing cognitive and physical difficulties allegedly due to Dilantin toxicity.

A recent review by the website ehealthme collected injury reports from the FDA and different social media sources of the accounts of 79 phenytoin patients. When the results were consolidated on Jan. 3, 2018, with one patient reportedly developing Dilantin induced cerebellar atrophy.

Even though Dilantin induced cerebellar atrophy is uncommon, patients should still be wary of any potential signs or symptoms including:

• Unsteady or Lurching Walking Gait
• Slow, Unsteady, or Jerky Arm or Leg Movements
• Slow and Slurred Speech
• Nystagmus (small rapid eye movements)
• Memory Loss

Dilantin patients who develop one or more of these symptoms should see their physician as soon as possible for treatment. This can minimize the damage and start the recovery process, which may include drug therapy or physical therapy.

If this condition is allowed to progress, it could induce permanent nerve damage in the brain and compromise the patient’s ability to walk and talk. Pfizer Inc. and generic manufacturers have been accused of either minimizing or not including sufficient information on the drug’s label, regarding the risk of Dilantin induced cerebellar atrophy.