One of the causes of cerebellar atrophy may include long term use of the medication Dilantin, according to some studies.

Dilantin is often given to patients who have the possibility of experiencing seizures, but recent medical studies and patient complaints indicate that Dilantin can be among the chief causes of cerebellar atrophy.

Cerebellar atrophy can occur when a patient’s brain tissue begins to degenerate and also wears down the connections between the neurons of the brain.

Cerebral atrophy can be focal and only affect a small portion of the brain, or it can be generalized, shrinking the entire brain. Damage to the cerebellum can lead to tremors, slow movements, lack of balance, unstable eye movements and shaking. Many of the symptoms of cerebellar atrophy are similar to that of a stroke.

A 2003 study indicated that long term use of Dilantin could cause moderate to severe cerebellar atrophy. A previous 1994 study explored these issues since seizures can also cause cerebellar atrophy.

That study was the first to consider the connection between the significantly smaller cerebellums of Dilantin takers when compared with patients who had not been exposed to this medication.

According to the study findings, a patient could be diagnosed with cerebral atrophy just weeks after beginning Dilantin, but it is more common for a patient to get such a diagnosis after using the drug for a longer period of time.

Studies also indicate that the causes of cerebellar atrophy, also known as cerebellar degeneration, can be linked directly to how long a patient has taken the medication Dilantin. Patients diagnosed with cerebellar atrophy report effects on their coordination, movement, and speech.

Many of the patients who have come to their doctors with concerns about these symptoms claim that they did not know that Dilantin could be among causes of cerebellar atrophy.

Causes of cerebellar atrophy can also include seizures, multiple sclerosis, stroke, tumors, and other cerebellar issues. However, toxins in the brain from Dilantin use can also lead to cerebellar atrophy. Cerebellar atrophy tends to show up most frequently in those patients who have used Dilantin over the long term, according to reports. All patients who have been taking this medication for a long period of time should be aware of the various causes of cerebellar atrophy and be mindful of the symptoms.

Cerebellar atrophy may appear more frequently when the drug’s serum levels are above the therapeutic range. Cerebellar atrophy has also been reported in patients when the drug’s levels appear to be in the normal range of the body, however.

Dilantin is an anti-epileptic drug given to those patients who suffer from seizures and epilepsy. Unfortunately, however, the causes of cerebellar atrophy have been tied to the use of the seizure medication. Some patients say they were never warned about this risk in advance.