Clinical studies have concluded that Dilantin brain atrophy is linked to long-term use of the anti-epileptic drug. The development of Dilantin brain atrophy is the degeneration of the cerebellum, affecting functions such as speech, movement and coordination.

Dilantin (phenytoin) is an antiepileptic or anticonvulsant drug prescribed to prevent and control seizures. The medication functions to decrease the spread of seizure activity in the brain.

What is Dilantin Brain Atrophy?

Dilantin brain side effects have become an increasingly prevalent concern to the medical community and patient population. One serious condition known is termed cerebellar atrophy.

Cerebellar atrophy is a condition that affects a patient’s speech pattern and coordination due to the brain’s cerebellum being damaged. Cerebellar atrophy occurs when brain tissue degenerates and the brain begins to lose neurons and the connection neural pathways that occur between them.

Atrophy can also be generalized or focal. Generalized atrophy refers to the entire brain losing neurons and neural pathways. Focal atrophy affects a specific portion of the brain and the kinds of functions it is responsible for.

While there are many factors that are linked to cerbellar atrophy, such as disease or the environment, drug toxicity levels have increased the likelihood and chance for Dilantin brain atrophy to develop.

When a patient begins to experience and develop Dilantin brain atrophy signs, they will often have trouble walking and talking. This is due to the cerebellum’s responsibility in managing body functions such as coordination, balance, movement regulation and speech.

Patients suffering from Dilantin brain atrophy will experience symptoms similar to that of patients who have suffered a stroke.

Dilantin Brain Side Effects

There are several side effects of Dilantin use including Dilantin brain atrophy. The side effects resulting from Dilantin may occur regardless of dosage levels or adherence to intake instructions.

Some common side effects of Dilantin include confusion, unwanted hair growth, difficulty falling and staying asleep, overgrowth of gums, headache, nausea, slurred speech and slowed thinking.

Some serious Dilantin side effects include the yellowing of the skin or eyes, fevers, blisters, pain in the upper portion of the stomach, flu symptoms and unusual bleeding.

Dilantin Brain Atrophy Causes

There are several risk factors for cerebellar atrophy including multiple sclerosis, seizures, tumors, stroke, and other cerebellar disorders. In addition to Dilantin, brain atrophy is also linked to chemotherapy treatment and ethanol toxins in the brain.

Studies have been shown that illustrate that long-term Dilantin use is linked to cerebellar atrophy. For example, a study published in the Seizure European Journal of Epilepsy looked at the connection between Dilantin and cerebellar atrophy.

The study discovered that the length of time a patient uses Dilantin affects how likely they are to develop extreme Dilantin brain atrophy side effects, such as cerebellar atrophy. The study determined that a long-term Dilantin patient is more likely to develop cerebellar atrophy than one who has only used Dilantin for a short amount of time.