Epileptic patients who take a drug to control seizures could experience side effects of Dilantin on the brain.

These negative effects can include cerebellar atrophy, which is the loss of neurons and the connections between them inside the brain in a structure called the cerebellum.

Side Effects of Dilantin on the Brain Include Loss of Coordination

Side effects of Dilantin on the brain are most likely to 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 impacted.

Someone suffering from cerebellar atrophy might exhibit a swaying or stumbling walk, appearing to be drunk when he is not.

A patient suffering from side effects of Dilantin on the brain sometimes cannot even sit on the edge of a bed without falling because of an uncontrollable bobbing motion of the trunk or head. This condition is called trunkal ataxia.

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.

Cerebellar atrophy symptoms can include:

• Uncoordinated movements of the limbs or trunk
• Clumsiness with daily activities
• Difficulty walking (unsteadiness)
• Slurred speech
• Visual complaints
• Abnormal eye movements

Researchers Study Side Effects of Dilantin on the Brain

Scientists recognize seizures alone can cause brain atrophy, but a 1994 study allowed for this fact when they compared patients who took Dilantin with those who did not take the anti-seizure drug.

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

Side effects of Dilantin on the brain are more likely after long-term use of the drug and when drug serum levels reach beyond the therapeutic range.

Still, some incidents of cerebellar atrophy have been noted even when the drug remained within a normal range.

Elderly patients are more at risk of Dilantin toxicity, which places them at greater risk of side effects of Dilantin on the brain. Medications that treat abnormal heart rhythms, alcoholism, ulcers and tuberculosis can also increase the chances of toxicity.

Dilantin is a potent drug, and even a small increase in the dose could cause toxicity, so it is important for patients to take it only as recommended.

What Can Be Done to Treat Side Effects of Dilantin on the Brain?

If you have been taking Dilantin and have experienced any of the side effects listed above should contact a doctor immediately. Sometimes the reduction or elimination of Dilantin can ultimately result in some of the cerebellar atrophy subsiding.

A doctor can evaluate your seizure history, Dilantin dosages and current symptoms to determine what steps to take.

Physical or occupational therapy can sometimes help improve the condition.

If you or a loved one have experienced side effects of Dilantin on the brain, you could be eligible for compensation through a class action lawsuit.