Phenytoin is a medication to help epileptic patients control seizures. Epileptic patients who take Dilantin (phenytoin) to control seizures could also experience phenytoin induced cerebellar atrophy.

This condition is most likely to adversely affect the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination. Posture, balance, coordination and speech are all functions that can be affected.

Someone suffering from Dilantin side effects might move with a swaying or stumbling walk, much like that of an intoxicated person. Other symptoms can include a loss of coordination of the arms and legs. An affected person might undershoot or overshoot the intended position of their hand, arm, leg or eye.

Indications of phenytoin induced cerebellar atrophy add to this list, and include uncoordinated movements of the limbs or trunk, accompanied by tremors or shaking. Patients often exhibit an unsteady, lurching gait when they walk.

Slurred speech and fast, abnormal eye movements along with a headache can be signs of phenytoin induced cerebellar atrophy.  Other symptoms may include trouble sleeping, a rash, nausea or swollen, tender gums.

Phenytoin Induced Cerebellar Atrophy Studied by Researchers

Seizures alone can cause brain atrophy, but a 1994 study allowed for this fact when researchers compared patients who took Dilantin with those who had never taken it.

The cerebella of those treated with Dilantin appeared much smaller than that portion of the brain in non-treated patients. The incidence and severity of cerebellar atrophy were linked to the number of doses of phenytoin.

Phenytoin induced cerebellar atrophy is more likely after long-term use of the drug and when drug serum levels climb beyond the therapeutic range. Still, phenytoin induced cerebellar atrophy has been diagnosed in patients whose drug levels remained within a normal range.

Studies show elderly patients are more at risk of Dilantin side effects. Medications that treat abnormal heart rhythms, alcoholism, ulcers and tuberculosis can also increase the chances of toxicity.

Phenytoin also can interfere with the effectiveness of a birth control pill, antidepressants and antibiotics.

Phenytoin is a potent drug and even a small increase in the dose could cause toxicity, which is why patients should take it only as recommended. If you have experienced side effects of Dilantin, you should contact a doctor immediately to see if reducing or eliminating the medication is an option.

Sometimes, for those that suffer cerebral atrophy, physical or occupational therapy can help improve loss of coordination.

If you or a loved one have experienced phenytoin induced cerebellar atrophy, you could be eligible for compensation and could benefit from speaking with an experienced lawyer.