Dilantin is a popular anti-seizure medication that has been used for many years, however there have been reports of Dilantin injury such as cerebral atrophy connected with the drug.

Dilantin, generic name phenytoin, was developed in 1908 and was found useful for seizures by 1936. It was widely used for most of the 20^th century and was listed on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. Sold generically, it is very inexpensive and available all over the world.

In 1953 it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use for seizures.

However, in 1966, Jack Dreyfus, an American banker, became a proponent of Dilantin use to control depression and anxiety. It is still often prescribed off label for use in cases of depression.

But, even though the drug is widely popular, Dilantin injury is a considerable concern for users of this drug. Cerebral atrophy is often connected with Dilantin use.

Cerebral atrophy means loss of cells in the brain. Atrophy can be generalized, meaning the whole brain has shrunk. Or, it can be focal affecting only a certain part of the brain. When it is focal, cerebral atrophy decreases the functions that the brain controls.

A Dilantin injury such as focal cerebral atrophy often affects the cerebellum. This is the part of the brain that rests under the cerebrum and behind the brain stem. There are two hemispheres of the cerebellum.

Degeneration of the cerebellum results in lack of balance, slow movements and tremors. The cerebellum controls voluntary movements such as posture, balance, coordination and speech and therefore atrophy in these areas can make certain physical tasks difficult.

Often, the symptoms of Dilantin injury are similar to a stroke. Symptoms of Dilantin injury can include:

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

Greater incidences of Dilantin injury have been connected with long term use, studies have shown.

A 2003 study published in the journal Seizure found that “patients with moderate/severe atrophy were those with longer exposure to phenytoin (longer duration of treatment and higher total dosage).”

Essentially, cerebellar atrophy shows up in patients when they have taken it for a long time and when the doses are high. But even when doses are not high, there have been incidents of Dilantin injury like cerebral atrophy.

It also has been shown that when patients cease taking Dilantin, recovery from Dilantin injury is possible.