Research suggests there may be a link between Dilantin and cerebellar atrophy, a deterioration of part of the brain.

Patients with epilepsy take Dilantin to control seizures. Even though seizures can cause brain atrophy, a 1994 study took that fact into account. Researchers found that the cerebella of patients treated with Dilantin were small compared to those of patients who had not taken Dilantin. The number of doses of Dilantin appeared to affect the severity and incidence of the brain deterioration.

Although the risk of brain damage is more apt to occur with long-term use of the medication and when drug serum levels are high, brain side effects have been experienced by patients who tested with drug levels within the normal, therapeutic range.

Unusual Movements Indicate Dilantin and Cerebellar Atrophy

The cerebellum controls the body’s movement and coordination. Consisting of two sections of folded tissue, the cerebellum is located at the base of the brain above the brain stem.

Scientists aren’t sure how Dilantin and cerebellar atrophy becomes a problem with some patients. Dilantin works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain and slowing down impulses that induce seizures. Brain degeneration results in the cerebellum losing neurons and the connections between neurons.

When the cerebellum deteriorates, the patient can experience problems with posture, balance, coordination and speech.

A patient suffering from Dilantin and cerebellar atrophy might walk with a stumbling or swaying motion. The arms and legs can become uncoordinated or start to tremble or shake.

Dilantin and cerebellar atrophy can affect a person’s trunk area as well, causing a constant bobbing motion upon trying to sit still. Loss of coordination can become so severe that instead of successfully reaching for something, the patient is apt to undershoot or overshoot with their reach, missing their target.

Slurred speech can be another sign of Dilantin and cerebellar atrophy side effects. Abnormally rapid eye movements with the pupils darting back and forth also can indicate deterioration of the cerebellum.

Some patients develop difficulty swallowing. Others experience trouble when trying to complete tasks that require fine motor skills. Eating, tying shoes, brushing teeth, buttoning clothing, and other daily activities can become nearly impossible to accomplish when Dilantin and cerebellar atrophy side effects become severe.

Elderly patients and those who have been on Dilantin for an extended period of time are most apt to experience damage to the cerebellum. The medication’s blood serum levels also can become affected by other medicines that interfere with Dilantin. Drugs that treat tuberculosis, ulcers, irregular heart beats, and alcoholism are among those that can increase the risk of Dilantin side effects.

By the same token, Dilantin can interfere with other drugs. Anyone taking a birth control pill, antibiotics or antidepressants should be aware that Dilantin can meddle with the effectiveness of these medications.