Dilantin long term side effects may pose serious health risks to patients.  These health risks include a serious condition known as cerebellar atrophy or the shrinking of the cerebellum. This Dilantin long term side effect has become well published in the medical community, with the correlation documented as far back as 1994.

During a 1994 study, researchers discovered that some Dilantin patients had significantly smaller cerebelli and became concerned about the implications of Dilantin long term side effects. This study was originally conducted to directly observe Dilantin’s (phenytoin) treatment mechanism, which slows down the electrical signals of the brain to prevent seizures.

In 2003, another published study showed a significant correlation between cerebellar atrophy and Dilantin long term side effects. The study indicated long term exposure to phenytoin, the main ingredient in Dilantin, could increase the chances of cerebellar atrophy. Later studies have found similar correlations, indicating a potential risk between this condition and long term phenytoin exposure.

Overview of Dilantin Cerebellar Atrophy

Cerebellar atrophy is the focal variant of cerebral atrophy, which is the shrinkage or atrophy of the brain. Cerebellar atrophy is specifically the degeneration of the cerebellum, which controls vital neurological connections between the brain and central nervous system.

The cerebellum is the part of the brain that sits under the cerebrum and behind the brain stem. It is primarily responsible for voluntary movements like walking and talking. When cerebellar atrophy occurs, patients often find their balance, coordination, and speech abilities greatly impacted.

While multiple potential causes and factors can contribute to cerebellar atrophy, drug toxicity is thought to be one potential cause. Dilantin patients should be wary of any signs of cerebellar atrophy including:

• Unsteady or Lurching Walking Gait
• Slow or Unsteady Arm and Leg Movements
• Slow and Slurred Speech
• Nystagmus (small rapid eye movements)
• Memory Loss

Dilantin is one of the oldest and most trusted antiepileptic drugs in the United States, gaining FDA approval back in the 1950s. However, Dilantin long term side effects have worried scientists for years, with patients reporting serious side effects ranging from allergic reactions to potential nerve damage. Even with the drug’s long history in the United States, concern regarding Dilantin long term side effects still plague the medical community.

According to a recent health survey from ehealthme, 5,738 patients have reported experiencing Dilantin side effects.  The results were consolidated on Jan. 30, 2018, with four patients reportedly developing cerebellar atrophy. These injury reports were collected from the FDA and different social media sites, highlighting the fact that Dilantin long term side effects will most likely continue to cause concern for a long time to come.

Dilantin patients who believe they may have cerebellar atrophy should contact their physicians as soon as possible. While treatment options vary between patients, late-stage cerebellar atrophy can cause permanent damage to the patient’s speech and coordination abilities.