Phenytoin, or Dilantin, is the grandfather of all current anticonvulsant oral medications and because of that medical science owes a great debt. Dilantin brain atrophy—literal shrinkage in a lobe that lies behind the brain stem and beneath the main body of the organ–has recently been attributed to long-term use of the drug, however.

Phenytoin—the generic name for this medication—was discovered in the first decade of the twentieth century. It was initially found to be helpful in preventing or controlling seizures that came on while electroshock therapy was being administered.

In 1936, it was first used as an oral anticonvulsant and continues to be prescribed today, but rarely as a first choice treatment of neurological specialists.

Because it has been on the market for some time, it remains very inexpensive and has been a good choice for patients with otherwise treatment resistant seizure disorders on a fixed income or tight budget.

At least it was believed to be a good choice until 1994 when data from a study linked Dilantin brain atrophy to long term use of the medication. Since a seizure disorder in and of itself can cause shrinkage to the lobe known as the cerebellum, the Dilantin brain atrophy study had instituted controls so as to not confuse the results.

Cerebellum Size and Dilantin Brain Atrophy

The Dilantin brain atrophy study compared a sizeable base of epileptic patients, half of whom took Dilantin and half of whom took an alternative medication to treat their seizures.

In comparing cerebellar size using imaging technology and noting signs and symptoms of neural degeneration to this area of the brain, researchers determined that overall long-term use of Dilantin caused a loss of mass.

What does the Cerebellum Do?

The cerebellum is the master coordinator of muscle movements voluntarily undertaken. For example, if you were a ballerina, it would take several muscle groups to complete one dance with precision and balance.

Everything has to work together to allow the ballerina to move successfully through the dance. Dancing is not unlike many activities we do which require similar cooperation such as roller skating, jogging, and even day-to-day walking.

Surprisingly, another activity that the cerebellum aids with is the coordination of speech. Because of this, a person who has lost neurons and neural connections through Dilantin brain atrophy might slur their words.

In combination with a jerky, lurching walk with side-to-side movement of the torso, a patient with cerebellar compromise might appear drunk to the novice observer.

Finally, an unusual eye behavior where the eyes uncontrollably move laterally and appear “shifty”, can be attributed to Dilantin brain atrophy of the cerebellum.

If you or a loved one have taken Dilantin and experienced some of these symptoms, contact your medical professional and do not stop your medication without proper advice. Going “cold turkey” off of an anticonvulsant drug can be dangerous. Your doctor should handle any transition to a new treatment regimen.

You may have a legal claim for damages sustained against Dilantin manufacturers, however. Fill out our form to request a consultation with a pharmaceutical product liability attorney.