Epileptic patients can experience cerebral atrophy caused by Dilantin, generically known as phenytoin.

Cerebral atrophy means the nerve cells in the brain deteriorate and die, shrinking the brain. Cerebral atrophy caused by Dilantin most often affects the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that controls coordination and balance.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health published a study analyzing the MRIs of 36 patients and found cerebral atrophy was seen significantly more in Dilantin users than in a control group.

Another study indicates Dilantin causes skull thickening. The study, originally published by the Canadian Medical Association, was conducted by Kai Ming Chow Cheuk Chun Szeto of the Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong.

The study tells of a woman who had epilepsy since age 15. When she was 31 years old, a CT scan of her head indicated cerebral atrophy–specifically, cerebellar atrophy.

The woman also proved to have a thickened skull. Up to 34 percent of patients will experience skull thickening. Dilantin is believed to stimulate proteins that cause bone growth in the skull, which can cause the face to develop a coarse structure. The face might develop a longer forehead and thicker lips as the bone structure underneath undergoes changes over the years.

Symptoms of Cerebral Atrophy Caused by Dilantin

Patients who experience cerebral atrophy caused by Dilantin might walk with unsteady, lurching movements. They also might not be able to sit without rocking back forth from their trunk area.

When nerves in the cerebellum die, patients might develop slurred speech and uncontrollable, rapid eye movements. Their arms and legs might move with slowed or unnaturally jerking tendencies.

Adverse side effects on the brain are more apt to occur in patients who take the drug for an extended period of years and in those whose drug serum levels climb beyond the therapeutic range. Even so, some documented cases have occurred in patients whose drug serum levels have never gone above the therapeutic range.

The medical journal Seizure published a study that concluded 20 of 56 patients showed some degree of cerebral atrophy caused by Dilantin after long-term use.

Dilantin is a potent drug. Even a small dose increase could cause toxicity. As with many medications, elderly patients are at a higher risk of adverse side effects. Drugs designed to treat abnormal heart rhythms, alcoholism, ulcers and tuberculosis can all interact with Dilantin, leading to a higher risk of toxicity. Dilantin also has been known to reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills, antidepressants and antibiotics.

If you or someone you love has experienced cerebral atrophy caused by Dilantin, you could benefit from speaking with a lawyer regarding your options for legal recourse.