Recent studies indicate long-term Dilantin exposure may induce cerebral atrophy, causing patients to sustain significant damages to their brain.

Cerebral atrophy, or brain shrinkage, occurs when certain areas or the entire brain deteriorates and loses vital neuron connections.

This causes patients to lose speech and coordination, often having to resort to drugs and physical therapy to contain the damage.

While there have been a number of causes linked to cerebral atrophy, such as disease and traumatic injury, long-term Dilantin exposure has also been indicated to be potential agent.

This correlation was first noticed in a 1994 study, which can be found in online archives of the US National Library Medicine National Institutes of Health, when doctors noticed an interesting characteristic in Dilantin (phenytoin) patients.

This study was initially started to see how the ingredient chemical phenytoin may have been influencing the brain during treatment.

In the control study,  the referral population came from an epilepsy center consisting of 36 patents with partial epilepsy who had long term phenytoin prescriptions. In addition, a control group was carefully selected based on age and sex who had undergone medical image testing after complaining of headache and dizziness.

After researchers analyzed the brain scans of all the patients, it was discovered patients who experienced long-term Dilantin exposure had significantly smaller cerebelli. While nothing was conclusively proven from the study, researchers did call for further investigation into the alleged link.

A later study was conducted in 2003 that found similar results in patients who had long-term Dilantin prescriptions. The study ultimately found that long-term Dilantin exposure had significantly increased the chances of cerebral atrophy occurrence.

At this time, scientists are not sure why Dilantin may be inducing cerebral atrophy but believe it may be the chemical interaction in the brain.

Overview of Long-Term Dilantin Complications

Dilantin has been on the market since 1953, helping millions of patients with their epileptic conditions. The medication works by decreasing the electricity activity levels in the brain, which ultimately reduces the chances and severity of seizures.

The medication has earned manufacturing company Pfizer Inc. millions, but has also landed the company in hot water for a number of severe Dilantin side effects.

Patients have been reporting side effects associated with long-term Dilantin exposure, including:

• Bone Weakness
• Gingival Hyperplasia (overgrowth of the gums)
• Nerve Damage (particularly in the legs)

Patients who experience any unexplained symptoms should contact their physician immediately, as cerebral atrophy could result in permanent brain damage.

In particular, cerebral atrophy can permanently damage a patient’s ability to walk straight, control their arms or legs, ability to speak, and even small rapid movements in the eyes.

Even though cerebral atrophy can be a devastating side effect for patients, Pfizer allegedly failed to warn patients against this possibility. Patients who believe they experienced Dilantin cerebral atrophy may be able to file legal action against Pfizer Inc. and should contact a specialized lawyer.