Medical studies have shown that Dilantin may be associated with the risk and diagnosis of cerebellar atrophy. They show that there is an increased risk of developing this condition, defined as the degeneration of the cerebellum, with continued use of the medication.

Cerebellar atrophy creates symptoms that can result in a lack of function with movement, coordination, and speech.

Dilantin, also known as phenytoin, is a prescribed medication used in the treatment of epilepsy. It is a common antiepileptic drug used to treat those who experience seizures and suffer from epilepsy.

In addition, cerebellar atrophy from phenytoin has been observed in patients who took Dilantin for long-term treatment of seizures and in those who took larger doses.

Cerebellar Atrophy From Phenytoin Facts

Cerebellar atrophy occurs when brain tissue in the cerebellum degenerates. As a result of this degeneration, there is a loss of brain function including the inability for neurons to transmit signals, and the loss of neurons altogether.

Atrophy, in medical terminology, simply means the wasting away due to the degeneration of cells. Atrophy can be generalized, affecting the entire brain, or focal, affecting only a specific portion.

Cerebellar atrophy from phenytoin is focal and it is marked by the degeneration of the cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that sits behind the brain stem but beneath the cerebrum. The cerebellum is divided into two hemispheres and it is responsible for functions such as regulating voluntary movements. These movements can include anything such as posture, balance, coordination, and speech. Moreover, it is responsible for balanced, smooth, and precise movement.

Therefore, any damage, deterioration, or atrophy to the cerebellum will result in a lack of balanced, slow movements. It may also include tremors that cause twitching and unstable eye movements and shaking of the body. Specific body tasks may, therefore, be difficult to accomplish. It has been reported that some of these symptoms of cerebellar atrophy from phenytoin may be very similar to one suffering from a stroke.

Symptoms of one suffering from cerebellar atrophy from phenytoin include but are not limited to: memory loss; slow and slurred speech; nystagmus, which is defined as small rapid movements in the eyes, jerky movements occurring in the legs or arms; and an unsteady, lurching walk, which may often cause back and forth tremors in the body.

Studies have shown that there is a connection and risk of developing cerebellar atrophy from phenytoin. And according to a report, a 1994 study concluded that “patients exposed to Dilantin as a group had significantly smaller cerebelli compared to non-exposed patients.”

Treatment for cerebellar atrophy is reportedly possible when patients discontinue taking the antiepileptic drug. However, reports also show that injuries to the cerebellum causing cerebral atrophy has been permanent because of long-term Dilantin use.