Phenytoin (brand name: Dilantin) toxicity has been alleged to be one of the potential causes of cerebellar ataxia, which can result in speech and movement issues.

Dilantin has been alleged to be one of the potential causes of cerebral atrophy. This condition is described as focal or general shrinkage of the brain,The general variation of this condition is described as when the entire brain loses neurological connections, and generally shrinks in size and capacity.

Focal cerebellar atrophy refers to the cerebellum specifically, in which the part of the brain that controls balance and coordination becomes deteriorated or damaged. Atrohpy of any part of the brain involves the death or loss of neurons, which causes the brain to lose connections that vital to input bodily commands.

Degradation of the cerebellum can be one of the causes of cerebellar ataxia. With ataxia, the patient’s movement and speech abilities are impaired because the cerebellum is responsible for balance and speech. At this time, scientists are unsure what exactly triggers this condition but have identified a list of potential causes of cerebellar ataxia or risk increases:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (Stroke or Head Injury)
• Deterioration Disease (Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia Cerebral Palsy, etc…)
• Drug Toxicity (Alcohol, Phenytoin Exposure, etc…)

In knowing potential causes of cerebellar ataxia, doctors recommend patients take steps in improving their health and lifestyle choices to prevent the onset of this condition. These steps include, but are not limited to:

• Changing Diet (adding Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant fruits and veggies)
• Exercising More
• Lowering Blood Pressure
• Staying Active Mentally, Socially, and Physically

However, even with these preventative measures, there is significant risk associated with phenytoin toxicity. This has been listed as one of the most commonly mentioned possible causes of brain atrophy, and has left many patients with long term speech and movement problems.

Overview of Phenytoin Cerebellar Ataxia Correlation

Phenytoin has been linked to cerebellar ataxia since the early 1990s, when scientists discovered patients exposed to phenytoin exhibited much smaller cerebelli.

This study was initially conducted to observe how phenytoin affected the brain, during its treatment process. Ever since this study was conducted, there have been multiple inquiries also indicating phenytoin as one of the potential causes of cerebellar ataxia.

This medication entered the market around 1953, making phenytoin one of the country’s oldest and most reliable antiepileptic medications. This drug is often prescribed to patients suffering from a variety of epilepsy like grand mal seizures, and is meant to prevent the brain from getting overwhelmed by the brain’s electrical signals.

This drug works by slowing down electrical signals in the brain, which prevents the onset of seizures. While phenytoin has helped numerous patients, it has been linked to a number of serious complications including cerebellar ataxia. As mentioned before, cerebellar ataxia is linked to speech and movement complications including:

• Unsteady, Lurching Walk, and other Jerky Movements
• Jerky Arm and Leg Movements
• Slow and Slurred Speech
• Nystagmus (Small Rapid Eye Movements)

Even though this can be devastating to patients, Pfizer Inc. allegedly failed to disclose this information to patients. Patients can opt to file legal action against the pharmaceutical company, and should contact a lawyer to determine eligibility.