According to www.epilepsytalk.com, Dilantin cerebellar atrophy is among a list of risks associated with this “grandfather of all epilepsy medications.”

Invented in the early part of the 20^th century, Dilantin or, as the chemical is known generically, phenytoin, is still heavily prescribed by general physicians around the world. Due to the risk of problems like Dilantin cerebellar atrophy, neurologists rarely prescribe Dilantin as their first choice among many for the treatment of tonic-clonic (grand mal) and partial seizures.

Since it became popular in the mid-1940’s after little over thee decades of use to control seizures during electric shock therapy, Dilantin development further encouraged scientific research and development of a whole host of other pharmaceutical treatments for epilepsy.

Dilantin is mainly used now as a second choice or for bringing patients in an acute constant convulsive state known as status epilepticus back to normal. Status epilepticus can be fatal.

What is Dilantin Cerebellar Atrophy?

First, we must identify the location of the cerebellum in the brain. According to www.brainfacts.org, the cerebellum is a part of the brain located behind the brain stem and underneath the occipital and right and left temporal lobes. There are three areas of the cerebellum with specific functions as follows:

• Archicerebellum ­­– this part of the cerebellum relates to the inner ear and is responsible for overall balance.

• Paleocerebellum – this part of the cerebellum is connected to the spinal cord controls muscular activity affecting posture.

• Neocerebellum – this part of the cerebellum relates to the cortex of the brain and affects how movements that are consciously initiated are coordinated.

Dilantin cerebellar atrophy is a shrinking of this part of the brain. This effect has been associated with long-term use of this drug. The brain cells or neurons and some of the connections between them become lost.

The condition for which the medication is taken – epilepsy – can produce the same atrophy over time as well.

Dilantin cerebellar atrophy may be demonstrated by a wide variety of symptomologies, most of which affect the precision of movement. Voluntary movements require the brain to process moving or stable objects coming into its field of vision.

Bodily movements that are a second or two too late with respect to grabbing an object or avoiding a collision with another is a hallmark of this condition. Other more obvious signs might be:

• A visible tremor in the trunk of the body
• Poor muscle coordination
• Jerky movements of the limbs
• Slurred or unintelligible speech

Other Risks of Long-Term Dilantin Use

It should be noted that other risks have also been associated with long-term Dilantin use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) according to www.epilepsytalk.com. Here are some other potential side effects:

• Osteoporosis – a general weakening of bone tissue
• Neuropathy – nerve damage causing tingling and numbness in the extremities
• Gingivitis – an overgrowth of gum tissue in the mouth
• Stevens Johnson Syndrome – a rare skin and mucous membrane reaction to medications
• Purple Glove Syndrome – causing swelling, discoloration, and pain in arms and legs.
• Anemia
• Changes in mood and behavior

If you feel a loved one has exhibited signs of Dilantin cerebellar atrophy or exhibited other adverse effects of this medication, seek medical help first. Withdrawal from this drug has to be medically supervised.