Brain side effects from Dilantin (phenytoin) have become a concern for the epileptic patient population and medical community, as numerous injury reports indicate cerebral atrophy. Also known as brain atrophy, this serious condition can cause permanent damage to the patients’ balance and speech abilities.

In worst case scenarios, patients have to contend with permanently slurred speech and movement difficulties.

Dilantin is one of the country’s oldest and most reliable anti-epileptic medications, often prescribed to treat patients with a variety of epileptic conditions. This medication works by streamlining the electrical signals in the brain, which is supposed to prevent the onset of seizures. However the brain side effects from Dilantin indicate this medication can do serious harm and permanent brain damage.

Cerebral atrophy can either be generalized or focal, affecting the entire brain or a specific area respectively. Focal cerebral atrophy primarily affects the cerebellum, which is the epicenter for the signals between the brain’s movement and speech communications to the body.

Cerebral atrophy can be caused by a number of factors, including degenerative disease like Alzheimer’s, traumatic injury, and drug toxicity. While the brain side effects from Dilantin are not the only contributing factors that can result in cerebral atrophy, there have been several studies indicating a strong link.

Overview of Dilantin Cerebral Atrophy

One case study indicating that brain side effects from Dilantin could cause cerebral atrophy was conducted in 1994 when researchers observed a young women suffering from odd symptoms. This patient was prescribed phenytoin to treat her epilepsy, and she had begun experiencing symptoms similar to stroke.

Diagnostic images showed that patients who were prescribed phenytoin had significantly smaller cerebella as compared to non-exposed patients. A later study conducted in 2003 had found similar results, which noted patients with moderate to severe cerebral atrophy were on long term Dilantin prescriptions.

Further studies have found that children could also be affected by brain side effects from Dilantin, with results indicating that cerebral atrophy symptoms developed in pediatric patients prescribed phenytoin sodium to prevent seizures. The medical community is unsure why brain side effects from Dilantin may be manifesting as cerebral atrophy, but believes it is linked to the drug’s treatment mechanism.

Patients who experience cerebral atrophy symptoms should report to their physicians as soon as possible, as early intervention often gives the best prognosis.

Even though cerebral atrophy can be potentially devastating to patients, the manufacturing company allegedly failed to warn the public. Patients who may have suffered brain side effects of Dilantin may be able to file legal action and should contact a pharmaceutical products liability lawyer to determine eligibility.