Patients suffering from phenytoin cerebellar atrophy might not realize their symptoms are induced by Dilantin, a common prescription anti-epileptic medication.

Phenytoin is the generic form of Dilantin, a potent anti-seizure drug that can reach toxic levels with just a slight change in dosing. Phenytoin cerebellar atrophy is one of the most distinct side effects.

When the cerebellum portion of the brain begins to atrophy, the connections among the neurons are interrupted. Because the cerebellum is the part of the brain that regulates posture, balance, speech, and coordination, a damaged cerebellum can lead to a variety of physical problems.

Instead of smooth and precise movements, a person suffering from phenytoin cerebellar atrophy might move with a slow, unsteady walk that makes them appear to lurch forth.

Uncoordinated, jerking movements of the arms or legs might be accompanied by slow and slurred speech or speech with unnatural pauses between syllables. Eyes that rapidly dart around indicate nystagmus, which means the eyes’ muscles are affected.

Other patients might experience memory loss and an inability to judge distance. When reaching for an item, the patient might undershoot or overshoot the needed position of their arm, hand, leg or eye.

Constant head bobbing, tremors, a bobbing motion of the trunk area, and vertigo are all possible side effects of phenytoin cerebellar atrophy. Other symptoms can include trouble sleeping, a rash, nausea or swollen, tender gums.

Difficulty swallowing or even completing fine motor tasks such as eating, writing, brushing teeth or buttoning clothing all can be indications of cerebellar deterioration.

Elderly patients are at a higher risk of side effects, as are patients who also take medicines to treat abnormal heart rhythms, alcoholism, ulcers and tuberculosis.

Phenytoin Cerebellar Atrophy Research

Research has linked cerebellar atrophy with phenytoin when drug serum levels rise above the therapeutic range and when patients have been on the medication for a number of years. In rare cases, phenytoin cerebellar atrophy has been seen in patients whose drug levels appeared to stay within the normal therapeutic range.

Epileptic seizures themselves can cause cerebellar atrophy, but a study completed in 1994 took that into account. The study found that patients taking phenytoin overall had significantly smaller cerebella compared to patients who had not taken the medication.

In some cases of toxicity, the phenytoin cerebellar atrophy can be permanent. If a doctor indicates that recovery is possible, the withdrawal of Dilantin must be monitored by a doctor.

Phenytoin cerebellar atrophy can be diagnosed through a series of blood tests, CT scans, and MRIs. However, in some cases, brain cell degeneration might have occurred at only a microscopic level, making it invisible to the naked eye.

If you have taken Dilantin and subsequently experienced phenytoin cerebellar atrophy, you could qualify for compensation through legal representation.