Phenytoin (Dilantin) has been touted as one of the miracle drugs of our time for its widespread application to treat a number of varying conditions.

Phenytoin is most widely known as an anticonvulsant drug used to treat grand mal (tonic clonic) seizures and partial seizures that originate from the temporal lobe area of the brain. It is also used to treat seizures that occur during or after surgery.

Beyond seizure control, phenytoin is also commonly used to treat bipolar disorder (formerly referred to as manic depression). It has been studied in other applications as well, and clinical studies have demonstrated its use in treating obsessive compulsive disorder, motion sickness, Tourette’s Syndrome, anxiety, depression, aggressive behavior and others.

Phenytoin and Cerebellar Degeneration

While phenytoin has been helpful for many patients with a variety of health needs, it has not come without risk or side effects for some.

Phenytoin is known to cause cerebellar degeneration. Cerebellar degeneration occurs when the part of the brain responsible for movement, called the cerebellum, begins to experience death and deterioration of the brain cells in that area. It is an erosion of the cerebellum.

Cerebellar atrophy is also seen with phenytoin use. Cerebellar atrophy is a wasting away of the cerebellum. It is considered a focal cerebral atrophy, meaning a specific part of the brain, not the whole brain itself, is affected. It causes the cerebellum to shrink or reduce in size.

Although the terms degeneration and atrophy are used interchangeably, there are subtle variations but when considering phenytoin’s effect on the brain, both are seen and are referring to a negative change in the cerebellum.

Cerebellar Atrophy Symptoms

Cerebellar atrophy symptoms involve deficits in the body’s ability to coordinate movement and maintain a sense of balance. Because alcohol affects the cerebellum, alcohol intoxication can mimic cerebellar atrophy symptoms. Such symptoms include:

• Slow, unsteady, jerky movements of the arms or legs
• Unsteady gait
• Staggering, tripping, falling or unsteadiness while walking
• Difficulty maintaining upright posture
• Difficulty with fine motor coordination
• Slowed or slurred speech
• Nystagmus- small, rapid movements of the eyes back and forth
• Fatigue while performing customary activities (patients say they need to “concentrate on” their movements)
• Cognitive and mood difficulties

Cerebellar Atrophy Treatment

For some individuals experiencing phenytoin-induced cerebellar atrophy, stopping the medication may be enough to assist them in regaining some of their baseline functioning. For others, however, the cerebellar degeneration is permanent and may persist beyond the stoppage of the drug.

Some individuals may not be able to stop the drug at all if it is the only drug that is able to control their severe seizures, and they must weigh the risks and benefits of using the medication.

There is no specific FDA approved drug approved for cerebellar atrophy treatment. Supportive means aimed at cerebellar atrophy treatment may include vestibular or balance-focused physical therapy, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, nutritional supplementation for ataxia (such as with vitamin E or coenzyme Q10). Some GABAergic medications may assist in reducing some of the associated tremors.

Phenytoin and Cerebellar Atrophy Lawsuit Information

If you or a loved one developed cerebellar degeneration or cerebellar atrophy as a result of using phenytoin, you may have a legal claim. An experienced phenytoin attorney will review your case at no charge and can help you decide if filing a lawsuit is in your best interest.