Dilantin long term side effects have been widespread concerns for the patient population and medical community in the United States for years, with cerebellar atrophy being one of the more disruptive complications.

A type of focal cerebral atrophy, this condition can cause the patient to develop permanent movement and speech difficulties, which is concerning given the popularity of this antiepileptic medication.

Dilantin (phenytoin) is one of the oldest and reliable antiepileptic medications available in the United States, with the treatment potential of its core ingredient being discovered by doctors in the late 1800s.

Dilantin works by slowing down the electrical signals in the brain, which helps prevent the onset of seizures making it a great treatment drug for a variety of epileptic conditions.

While this medication has helped numerous patients over the years, several studies have indicated there could be an increased risk of cerebellar atrophy for long-term Dilantin users.

It is important to note that Dilantin is one of the more potent drugs available for treatment therapy, which may contribute to the troubling toxicity levels reported.

Overview of Dilantin Cerebellar Atrophy Correlation

One of the first studies to analyze the potential correlation between cerebellar atrophy and phenytoin toxicity was published in 1994, which was from the Annals of Neurology. This study observed five epileptic patients who had reportedly developed cerebellar atrophy at some point after being prescribed phenytoin.

Researchers had examined the MRI scans of each patient and found that they had significantly smaller cerebelli compared to patients who were not prescribed phenytoin.

Another study analyzing this alleged correlation was published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, with a 2008 report titled “Phenytoin toxicity: an easily missed cause of cerebellar syndrome.”

The report pointed out that Dilantin long term side effects could induce cerebellar atrophy, which could have been misdiagnosed by earlier physicians. Researchers in the study ultimately suggested that phenytoin “should no longer be used as a first line treatment for epilepsy.”

Other studies have suggested the chances of cerebellar atrophy are maximized with Dilantin long term use because of higher toxicity levels.

One of the most recent studies was a 2013 inquiry published in Neurology Asia, with researchers stating that “cerebellar atrophy is a well known complication of long term phenytoin use.” The report was a case study of a patient who had reportedly developed cerebellar atrophy after prolonged exposure to phenytoin.

It is important to note that cerebellar atrophy is typically permanent, so patients will often have to contend with physical therapy and drug treatment to cope with the side effects.

Due to the fact that cerebellar atrophy is a condition in which the neurological connections in the cerebellum deteriorate, patients often suffer some form of speech and movement difficulties with symptoms including:

• Unsteady or lurching walking gait
• Slow, unsteady, or jerky movements in arms or legs
• Slow and slurred speech
• Nystagmus (small rapid eye movements)
• Memory loss

While there are a number of contributing factors to cerebellar atrophy, it is troubling that multiple studies have indicated a correlation to phenytoin toxicity while the current Dilantin warning label does not address this.

Dilantin patients who may have developed cerebellar atrophy from the medication may be able to file legal action against the drug’s manufacturer.