Dilantin cerebral atrophy complications can be a problem for epileptic patients who take the drug to control seizures.

Cerebral atrophy is the a loss of neurons and the connections between them inside the brain.

Cerebral Atrophy and Lack of Coordination

Dilantin cerebral atrophy complications mainly affect the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination.

Posture, balance, coordination and speech are all functions that can be negatively affected by cerebral atrophy.

Someone suffering from cerebral atrophy might exhibit a swaying or stumbling walk, appearing to be drunk when he is not.

Sometimes, an affected person cannot sit on the edge of a bed without falling because of an uncontrollable bobbing motion of the trunk or head.

This condition is called trunkal ataxia and is indicative of midline cerebellar syndromes.

Hemispheric cerebellar syndromes include a loss of coordination of the arms and legs. An affected person might undershoot or overshoot the intended position of their hand, arm, leg or eye.

Cerebral atrophy symptoms can include:

• Uncoordinated movements of the limbs or trunk
• Clumsiness with daily activities
• Difficulty walking (unsteadiness)
• Slurred speech
• Visual complaints
• Abnormal eye movements

Dilantin Cerebral Atrophy Complications

Scientists recognize seizures alone can cause brain atrophy, but a 1994 study allowed for this fact when observing patients who took Dilantin and those who did not.

The cerebelli of those treated with Dilantin were much smaller than that portion of the brain in non-treated patients.

The incidence and severity of cerebellar atrophy were linked to the doses of Dilantin ingested.

Dilantin cerebral atrophy complications are more likely after long-term use of the drug and when drug serum levels are over the therapeutic range.

Still, some incidents of cerebral atrophy have been noted even when the drug level sat within a normal range.

Elderly patients are more at risk of Dilantin toxicity, which places them at greater risk of Dilantin cerebral atrophy complications.

Medications that treat abnormal heart rhythms, alcoholism, ulcers and tuberculosis can also increase the chances of toxicity.

Dilantin is a potent drug, and even a small increase in the dose could cause toxicity, so it is important for patients to take it only as recommended.

How Is Cerebral Atrophy Treated?

While cerebral atrophy is rare, it can be a permanent condition. In addition to Dilantin, other conditions that can cause cerebral atrophy include stroke, multiple sclerosis, alcoholism, peripheral neuropathy, metabolic disorders and vitamin deficiencies.

If you have been taking Dilantin and have experienced any of the side effects listed above should contact a doctor immediately. Sometimes the reduction or elimination of Dilantin can ultimately result in some of the cerebral atrophy subsiding.

A doctor can evaluate your seizure history, Dilantin dosages and current symptoms to determine what steps to take.

Physical or occupational therapy can sometimes help improve the condition.

If you or a loved one have experienced cerebral atrophy after taking Dilantin, you could be eligible for compensation through a class action lawsuit.