Dilantin cerebellar atrophy is a possible side effect of long-term use of the anti-seizure medication.

The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls coordinated movement and speech. When this part of the brain is damaged, patients are likely to exhibit a variety of changes in behavior. The cerebellum is located at the base of the brain just above the brain stem and consists of two sections of folded tissue. The right side of the cerebellum controls movement on the right side of the body, and the left side of the cerebellum initiates movement on the left.

Seizures occur when brain cells work more rapidly than they should. Dilantin (phenytoin) works by keeping the brain cells from firing at the speed required to induce a seizure. Unfortunately, research indicates Dilantin cerebellar atrophy can be a side effect of controlling these seizures because some of the brain cells lose neurons that connect the cells to each other. This reduction of neuron connecting is Dilantin cerebellar atrophy.

Symptoms of Dilantin Cerebellar Atrophy

Patients suffering from Dilantin cerebellar atrophy are unable to complete smooth, precise movements. They may exhibit tremors, a lack of balance or uncontrolled, rapid eye movements.

If you see someone walking with a lurching-type gait, the person may appear unsteady and stumbling due to Dilantin cerebellar atrophy. Slow or unsteady jerking actions of the arms or legs make it difficult to keep regular posture and balance as the patient walks.

Some patients become clumsy when attempting to complete daily rituals, including brushing teeth, buttoning clothing and pouring liquids. Sometimes even sitting still seems impossible as the patient may make unending bobbing motions up and down at the trunk.

Other symptoms can include changes in the tone, pitch or volume of the patient’s speech, complaints of headaches or dizziness, and personality changes.

Dilantin Cerebellar Atrophy Studies

Doctors know that years of ongoing seizures can cause brain deterioration, but research indicates long-term use of Dilantin can induce brain atrophy.

In 1994, researchers found that the cerebelli of patients taking Dilantin were noticeably smaller than patients were not taking the drug. The Annals of Neurology published a study of five epileptic patients diagnosed with Dilantin cerebellar atrophy. Not one of them had suffered recent seizures, but all of their tests showed high levels of Dilantin toxicity. The researchers determined Dilantin caused the cerebellar atrophy in those patients.

In 2003, another published study determined that patients on long-term courses of Dilantin therapy suffered moderate to severe cerebellar atrophy.

Dilantin is a potent drug, and even a small change in the dose can produce toxic levels in the system. Certain medicines designed to treat abnormal heart rhythms, alcoholism, ulcers and tuberculosis also might increase the risks of toxicity, which raise the risk of Dilantin cerebellar atrophy.

If you have experienced side effects that are indicative of Dilantin cerebellar atrophy, you could be eligible for compensation through legal avenues.