Cerebellar atrophy and Dilantin use over the long term was reported in a study in 1994. In this study, scientists considered the fact that some types of epilepsy can cause focal brain shrinkage, also known as cerebellar atrophy.

Evidence from the study pointed to smaller cerebellums among those prescribed this “grandfather” anti-convulsant medication than those who did not take Dilantin.

The cerebellum is a lobe of the brain that sits behind the brain stem at the base of the skull. Like most lobes, it has a right and left side to it. Its main function is to control most of the voluntary motor movements of the body. This should be contrasted to its neighbor—the brain stem–that controls our involuntary, life-sustaining activities such as respiration and heartbeat.

Cerebellar atrophy and Dilantin use may first show up in very subtle ways such as memory loss and nystagmus, or small rapid movements of the eyes. These eye movements may look like someone’s vision is darting, or moving very quickly. As damage to the cerebellum progresses, slowed and slurred speech may follow.

Further evidence of damage to the patient’s cerebellum include a marked lack of balance, slow movements as if walking on glass, or even a lurching gait.

When ambulating or staying still, the patient may have a back-and-forth tremor evident in his or her torso. Their actions may resemble that of a person who has had a stroke.

Cerebellar atrophy and Dilantin use can be very frustrating for the patient and loved ones. While being treated for one condition, he or she endures slow degeneration in other vital parts of the brain.

Cerebellar atrophy occurs when neurons in the cerebellum die off and the vital connections that made for smooth communication between the brain and the muscular-skeletal system are lost.

Cerebellar atrophy from Dilantin use may occur at higher dosage levels of this anti-convulsant drug. There have been several cases of marked size decrease of this area of the brain in patients that are well within normal blood levels, however.

In 2003, a published study found more frequent occurrence of cerebellar atrophy and Dilantin in patients who used Dilantin for long-term treatment.

Recovering from Cerebellar Atrophy and Dilantin

Dilantin, or phenytoin as it is known generically, is not a first-choice treatment for all types of epilepsy today. It is, however, commonly used in emergency rooms to bring a life-threatening condition known as status epilepticus under control. Status epilepticus is a state of continual seizure which can kill a patient if left unresolved.

Dilantin is also one of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) List of Essential Medicines because of its “tried and true” history since the 1930s and because of its overall lack of treatment expense.

If Dilantin has been chosen for patient treatment over the long-haul and symptoms of cerebellar atrophy havee shown up, there is some hope that discontinuing the drug will alleviate symptoms.

All discontinuation should be under the trained supervision of the prescribing physician, who may introduce an alternative medication to prevent seizure activity. While some atrophy may be permanent, modest improvement may be noted.