The health complications associated with long term Dilantin use have been concerns of the medical community for the past several years, with one of its most recent side effects being linked to cerebral atrophy.

This condition is characterized as the general or focal deterioration of the brain, often affecting the patient’s movement and speech patterns.

Cerebral atrophy, or toxicity, is described as when only one part of the brain shrinks or when the entirety of the organ shrinks, often resulting from traumatic injury or diseases.

Recent studies, however, have suggested that exposure to certain drugs or chemicals, such as long term Dilantin use, may also cause this adverse reaction. Patients have also reported this injury on numerous occasions to the FDA and other social media sources, which is often utilized for studies by ehealthme.

Ehealthme offers free and anonymous surveys, along with over 300 peer reviewed medical journals referencing their studies. Most recently the website had conducted a study, consisting of 1,400 Dilantin patients who reported side effects from FDA and social media.

Many patients suffering from the adverse effects of medications can use ehealthme to report the complications. Among the 1,400 Dilantin patients who reported side effects, only five (.36%) reported developing from cerebral atrophy.

Even though there were not many cerebral atrophy injury reports submitted, it is concerning that there were any reports at all. There are several factors that can determine the severity of cerebral atrophy, with long term Dilantin use being linked with more serious damage.

Overview of Dilantin Cerebral Atrophy Association

Dilantin (phenytoin) is one of the most popular and oldest antiepileptic medications, being available on the market since 1953. Over the years this medication has been linked to a number of severe complications, including serious allergic reactions and cerebral atrophy.

The link between long term Dilantin use and cerebral atrophy was first observed in the 1990s, when the correlation was noticed in a 1994 study. This study was conducted to observe how phenytoin interacted with the patients’ brains, when controlling seizures.

During this time, researchers noticed that Dilantin patients had significantly smaller cerebelli compared to non-Dilantin patients.

In addition researchers noted that the higher concentration of phenytoin present, the worse the cerebellum damage was. Later studies have yielded similar results, indicating long term Dilantin use may induce cerebral atrophy.

It is important to note that cerebral atrophy is a permanent condition with no cure, making early intervention vital for treatment options. The symptoms can be managed, but the patients’ movements and speech may be permanently altered.

Symptoms of cerebral atrophy can include:

• Unsteady Walking
• Jerky Arm and Leg Movements
• Slurred Speech
• Small Rapid Eye Movements

Manufacturing company Pfizer has repeatedly faced criticism for not providing adequate warnings against their products’ side effects, with Dilantin being no different.

Patients who may have suffered Dilantin cerebral atrophy may be able to file legal action, and should contact a specialized lawyer to determine eligibility.