The epilepsy drug Dilantin has been seen as an anti-seizure “wonder drug” for many patients, however, it has also been linked to a serious condition called cerebral atrophy.

Cerebral atrophy, or a shrinking of the brain, happens when the tissue in the brain degenerates including the loss of neurons and the connections between them.

Cerebral atrophy can be what is considered focal or generalized. Generalized cerebral atrophy is when the entire brain has shrunk. Focal atrophy is when only a certain area of the brain has degenerated. This decreases the functions that area of the brain controls.

When cerebral atrophy occurs focally in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that sits beneath the cerebrum behind the brain stem, it is called cerebellar atrophy.

The cerebellum controls movements like posture, balance, coordination and speech. When this area of the brain is damaged, balance and movement is significantly affected.

This can result in a lack of balance, slow movements and tremors. Normal movement can be difficult. Some have even compared this condition with the symptoms of a stroke.

Some symptoms of cerebellar damage include severe tremor while walking, slow and jerky movements in the limbs, slow speech and small rapid movements in the eyes (nystagmus).

Links between Cerebral Atrophy and Epilepsy Drug Dilantin

There are various conditions that can lead to cerebral atrophy. These include stroke, tumors, seizures and multiple sclerosis. Epilepsy drug Dilantin, known generically as phenytoin, has also been linked to cerebral atrophy.

Cases of cerebral atrophy associated with epilepsy drug Dilantin have been reported for many years, but doctors were not sure if this was a side effect or if it was a symptom of the lack of oxygen to the brain that occurs during seizures.

However, recent research regarding epilepsy drug Dilantin has shown that cerebral atrophy occurs more often when the drug is used for long periods of time and when the drug serum levels are above a therapeutic range.

Cerebral atrophy has also been reported when the levels are in the normal range as well.

In fact, in a study showed that patients suffering from moderate to severe cerebellar severe atrophy were those who had longer exposure to phenytoin and a higher total dosage that had been prescribed.

When a patient stops taking epilepsy drug Dilantin, it has been reported that recovery from cerebral atrophy is possible. But at times, the damage is irreversible and the patient cannot recover.

If you or someone you love has been affected adversely by epilepsy drug Dilantin, you may be entitled to legal compensation.