Dilantin (phenytoin) is one of America’s oldest antiepileptic drugs, prescribed to millions of patients with various seizure disorders.

Since the 1950s, this drug has been a preferred choice for patients suffering from epilepsy, earning millions for manufacturing company Pfizer.

However, there has been recent concern over long term side effects of Dilantin, with cerebral atrophy being one of the most prominent.

What is Cerebral Atrophy?

Also known as brain atrophy, this condition is described as the degeneration of the cerebellar functions of the brain potentially causing permanent neurological damage.

Cerebral atrophy occurs when brain tissue starts to deteriorate and lose neurons, with the entire brain essentially shrinking or focal brain atrophy that results in patients losing control of voluntary movements.

Causes of Cerebral Atrophy

There are various possible causes for cerebral atrophy, from diseases like Alzheimer’s, traumatic injuries, infections, and medication toxicity.

Recent studies have indicated that long term use of Dilantin may increase the risk of cerebral atrophy, due to the higher levels of phenytoin levels interacting with the brain.

However, cerebral atrophy has also been reported in patients exposed to normal therapeutic ranges of Dilantin. This condition can cause patients to loose control of basic functions like walking and talking, along with movements in their eyes.

Often times cerebral atrophy symptoms can be confused with stroke, due to the similarity in side effects.

Dilantin and Cerebral Atrophy

Though a rare Dilantin side effect, any potential brain atrophy risk should be taken seriously as the treatments are limited with the effects possibly permanent.

Recently there have been nine cases of Dilantin cerebral atrophy reported to the FDA, out of 11,836 Dilantin injury reports.

Even though the number reported is significantly smaller than the total injuries reported, FactMed states that this number is only reflective of the injuries reported.

This means that the likelihood of Dilantin cerebral atrophy, could be much higher than currently estimated.

As a potential indicator of this, a survey conducted on ehealthme had collected the injury reports of Dilantin patients.

These patients were prescribed Dilantin for less than month, and submitted their reports to the FDA and different social media platforms. On May 01, 2016, the results were consolidated with 49 (.45%) patients reporting cerebral atrophy out of 10,963 Dilantin patients.

Overall, Dilantin patients should be wary of cerebral atrophy symptoms including (but not limited to):

• Unsteady or trembling walking gate
• Slow, unsteady, or jerky movements in arms or legs
• Slurred Speech
• Small rapid movements of eyes (Nystagmus)

As mentioned before, the neurological damage of cerebral atrophy can be potentially permanent so early intervention is vital. While there is no cure for brain atrophy, if diagnosed early enough, cerebral atrophy symptoms can reportedly be managed by medical monitoring of Dilantin withdrawal.

More severe cases of cerebral atrophy often permanently damage the patient’s muscle movements, often only remedied by intense and extensive physical therapy.

Dilantin Lawsuits

Despite the severity of Dilantin cerebral atrophy, Pfizer has allegedly failed to warn patient of this potential risk.

This has resulted in another wave of litigation backlash against the company, which is already facing product liability charges of some of its other drugs.

Patients who were who believe they have been affected by Dilantin cerebral atrophy, may be eligible to file their own lawsuit and should contact a specialized lawyer.