Cerebral atrophy caused by Dilantin (phenytoin) is a serious concern in the patient population and medical community, with numerous patients reporting the incident. Studies have shown that cerebral atrophy caused by Dilantinis higher in long term patients with higher phenytoin exposure, but short term cases have also been observed.

The concern of cerebral atrophy caused by Dilantin became so prominent that the FDA approved for the medication’s warning label to be updated to report the possibility of this side effect. One study to observe this correlation was published in the July 2003 issue of the European Journal of Epilepsy, in which researchers observed long term Dilantin patients.

The study had observed 56 patients and had reportedly found 20 cases of cerebral atrophy. The researchers concluded that the likelihood of this side effect is higher in long term Dilantin prescriptions. Cerebral atrophy caused by Dilantin is also possible in short term prescriptions, with studies also noting that pediatric patients could also be at risk if taking Dilantin sodium.

Several other studies have produced similar results, which led to the FDA label change and growing concern in healthcare professionals.

Overview of Dilantin Cerebral Atrophy

Cerebral atrophy or brain atrophy occurs when brain tissue deteriorates and loses neurological connections in the brain tissue, and can be either focal or generalized.

Cerebellar atrophy is a focal variant of this condition and is associated with phenytoin toxicity, with the cerebrum degenerating. This part of the brain is under the brain stem, and is responsible for the patient’s coordination and speech patterns.

Cerebral atrophy caused by Dilantin often causes patients to suffer a multitude of complications related to speech and movement including:

• Unsteady and Lurching Walk
• Slow or Unsteady Movements in Arms or Legs
• Slow and Slurred Speech
• Nystagmus (small rapid eye movements)
• Memory Loss

While cerebral atrophy can be caused by a number of different factors, phenytoin toxicity has been linked to the complication since the 1990s. The first study to observe this correlation was conducted in 1994, with researchers finding that Dilantin patients had significantly smaller cerebelli than non exposed patients.

Researchers initially conducted this study to observe how phenytoin acted in the brain, when preventing seizures. Dilantin has been on the market since the 1950s, and is typically prescribed to patients suffering from a variety of epileptic conditions.

Dilantin works by slowing down the electrical signals in the brain, which prevents the onset of seizures. Even though this medication is supposed to help patients live a normal life, the cerebral atrophy injury reports have left many wondering if the drug’s risks are worth it.

It is important to note that the damage from cerebral atrophy can be potentially permanent, so Dilantin patients should report any concerns as soon as possible. While treatment options vary among patients, patients are typically prescribed medication and physical therapy.

Even though cerebral atrophy caused by Dilantin can be potentially devastating, Pfizer Inc. may not have adequately warned patients against this correlation in a timely manner. Patients who may have developed Dilantin cerebral atrophy, might be able to file legal action against Pfizer Inc. to seek medical damages.