There have been multiple Dilantin brain side effects linked to the long-term use of the anti-epileptic drug. Some side effects include the risk for developing cerebellar atrophy, also known as cerebellar degeneration. Any damage to the cerebellum can affect things like coordination, speech, and movement.

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

Overview: Dilantin Brain Side Effects

Degeneration of the cerebellum is one of the most significant adverse side effects associated with the anticonvulsant medication. Cerebellar atrophy occurs when there is degeneration of brain tissue in the cerebellum. This degeneration is the loss of neurons and neuron connections that occurs between them.

The medical community and patient population have become increasingly concerned with cerebral atrophy. Cerebral atrophy refers to a loss of neurons and neural pathways throughout the brain. Cerebral atrophy can also be focal, affecting a specific portion of the brain and the kinds of functions it is responsible for.

When cerebellar atrophy develops, patients will often have trouble walking and talking. Patients with cerebellar atrophy will have difficulty performing tasks in a stable manner. This is particularly because of the cerebellum’s role in managing body functions such as movement regulation, speech, coordination, and balance. Symptoms for cerebellar atrophy looks a lot like symptoms related to those who have suffered from a stroke.

Side effects linked to Dilantin may be seen regardless of dosage levels with the medication. Common side effects reported include: confusion, unwanted hair growth, difficulty falling and staying asleep, overgrowth of gums, headache, nausea, slurred speech, and slowed thinking. Other serious 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.

Studies have long linked Dilantin to cerebellar atrophy, including a study published in Seizure: The European Journal of Epilepsy. The study found that the length of time someone is on Dilantin correlated to the development of serious Dilantin side effects. The study determined that a patient who is on long-term Dilantin medication is more likely to develop cerebellar atrophy than one who has only used Dilantin for a short time frame.

Symptoms for cerebellar atrophy may include:

• Slow and slurred speech
• Memory loss
• Nystagmus: small rapid movement in the eyes
• Slow, unsteady, jerky movements in the arms or legs
• Unsteady, lurching walk, which often includes a back and forth tremor in the main part of the body.

When patients have cerebellar atrophy, symptoms may be manageable with treatment. A physician will also monitor the withdrawal from Dilantin when necessitated. However, some injuries can be permanent. This includes the development for cerebellar ataxia, or the lack of muscle coordination.