Dilantin is a popular drug used to treat seizures and seizure disorders. However, concerns of Dilantin cerebral atrophy have been reported as studies connecting the drug with brain atrophy have come to light.

History of Dilantin

Dilantin is a popular seizure drug that has been used for decades to treat those with seizure disorders like epilepsy or to prevent seizures during surgery. It is generically known as phenytoin.

Dilantin, or phenytoin, has been around for patient use since it was first synthesized in Germany by a scientist in 1908. Later it was discovered that it could be used to control seizures and had less side effects than phenobarbital.

It has been used to prevent tonic-clonic seizures and partial seizures and currently is often used during surgery to prevent patients from seizing on the table.

What is Dilantin Cerebral Atrophy?

Dilantin has been widely considered a successful drug and easily accessible because of its low cost. However, certain studies that look at the long term effects of Dilantin have shown that the drug may cause atrophy of certain parts of the brain.

As a low cost, easily accessible anti-seizure drug, it has been used to control epilepsy and patients who take it often take it for long periods of time.

Over long periods of time, studies have shown, Dilantin cerebral atrophy can occur.

Dilantin cerebral atrophy is when the brain connections in the cerebrum begin to break down due to the effects of phenytoin. Cerebral atrophy can be generalized, meaning that the entire brain is beginning to shrink and the neurons are losing their connections. Brain atrophy as caused by Dilantin is typically focalized. Focalized Dilantin cerebral atrophy often occurs in the cerebellum.

The cerebellum controls many important actions of the body including balance and large body movements. It is located underneath the cerebrum behind the brain stem. The cerebellum has two hemispheres. It helps regulate the body’s ability to balance itself, maintain posture and speak.

If Dilantin cerebral atrophy occurs in this area of the brain or if the cerebellum is damaged in other ways, it can greatly affect a patient. In fact, sometimes the effects of brain atrophy mimic that of a stroke patient. The speech of a patient can sound slurred and their body movements may appear slow or jerky.

Additionally, the body may experience tremors, shaking of limbs, slow speech and unstable eye movements. Many normal tasks like walking or eating may be difficult for a patient with Dilantin cerebral atrophy to perform.

Dilantin administered over long periods of time and at high dosage levels to control seizures can result, studies have shown, in the atrophy of the brain. Patients who stop using Dilantin may see a return to normal functioning. However, a patient should not stop taking medication without discussing it first with their physician.

If you or someone you love has taken Dilantin and you suspect may be suffering from the symptoms of Dilantin cerebral atrophy like slurred speech, jerky body movements or small rapid movements of the eye, you may benefit from speaking with an experienced attorney. While legal compensation cannot take away the pain and suffering associated with Dilantin cerebral atrophy, it can help alleviate the burden of medical costs or lost wages.