Dilantin (phenytoin) has proven effective in controlling seizures for many people.

The drug is also prescribed off-label for conditions including bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

However, research indicates epilepsy patients who take the drug to control seizures could experience a variety of Dilantin adverse effects, including atrophy of the cerebellum, an area of the brain important to the control of movement and coordination.

Symptoms of Cerebellar Atrophy

Cerebellar atrophy can affect a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks like preparing food or getting dressed that need fine motor coordination. Speech and swallowing may also be impaired.

The cerebellum plays a role in certain types of thinking, and cerebellar atrophy can cause cognitive and mood problems. Patients can have problems with “executive functions” like making plans.

Cerebellar atrophy symptoms can include:

• uncoordinated movements of the limbs or trunk
• clumsiness with daily activities
• difficulty walking (unsteadiness)
• slurred speech
• visual complaints
• abnormal eye movements

An individual with cerebellar atrophy sometimes cannot even sit on the edge of a bed without falling because of an uncontrollable bobbing motion of the trunk or head. An affected person might not be able to achieve an intended position of their hand, arm, leg or eye.

Some Dilantin users have even reported irritability, anxiety, or depression.

Research on Dilantin Adverse Effects on the Brain

The study of Dilantin adverse effects on the brain is complicated by the fact that seizures themselves can cause brain atrophy. Several research studies have, however, found a correlation between Dilantin use and cerebellar atrophy.

• A 1994 research study took this into account when comparing the cerebral cortex of patients who took Dilantin with those who did not take the drug. The researchers found that the cerebella of those taking Dilantin were much smaller than the cerebella of patients not taking the drug. They concluded that the incidence and severity of cerebellar atrophy were linked to the dose of Dilantin.
• A 2008 report, published in The Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, titled, “Phenytoin toxicity: an easily missed cause of cerebellar syndrome” highlighted that Dilantin toxicity can cause cerebellar dysfunction, and detailed cases where the diagnosis was missed.
• In 2013, the authors of a case report published in Neurology Asia wrote “Persistent cerebellar dysfunction with cerebellar atrophy is a well known complication of long term phenytoin use”. The report described a patient who suffered Dilantin adverse effects and subsequent cerebellar ataxia (inflammation or damage to the cerebellum). In addition to symptoms of cerebellar degeneration, the patient also exhibited cognitive side effects. Acute Dilantin toxicity rarely causes permanent cerebellar dysfunction, authors noted.

Legal Help for Dilantin Adverse Effects

Cerebellar atrophy is more likely to occur after long-term use of Dilantin and the drug reaches levels higher than the therapeutic range. But incidents of cerebellar atrophy have been seen even when the drug is within a normal range.

If you have taken Dilantin and have developed brain atrophy or other side effects, an experienced Dilantin attorney can evaluate your case. For a free, no obligation evaluation, fill out the contact form now.