Studies have shown that there is an increased risk of developing cerebellar atrophy for persons who use the epilepsy drug Dilantin.

Cerebellar atrophy is a condition that causes the degeneration of the cerebellum, a part of the brain controlling coordination, speech, and movement. Atrophy refers to the deterioration of nerve cells, or neurons, in the cerebellum.

Dilantin is known generically as phenytoin. It is a commonly prescribed medication used for treatment in individuals who suffer from seizures and epilepsy. There are several side effects and complications, however. Cerebellar toxicity is one of the most serious and significant side effects of Dilantin.

Cerebellar Atrophy Facts

Cerebral atrophy is the loss of brain cells, known as neurons, and the connections between them. It can be generalized or focal, affecting a specific part of the brain. When atrophy is generalized, it affects the entire brain. Atrophy that is focal affects a specific and limited part of the brain. It can result in an impairment of the function of that area of the brain.

The cerebellum is located to the rear and lower side of the brain. It exerts much control over physical movement and is particularly important for maintaining balance and coordination.

Damage to the cerebellum results in side effects such as tremors, slow movements, a lack of balance, unstable eye movements, and shaking. For patients who take epilepsy drug Dilantin, this damage can make particular body functions increasing more unsteady and difficult.

The symptoms of side effects occurring from the epilepsy drug Dilantin are similar to symptoms of a patients suffering from a stroke. Some symptoms of cerebellar atrophy include slow, unsteady, jerky movements in the upper or lower extremities; slow and slurred speech; memory loss; nystagmus, or small and rapid movements in the eyes; and an unsteady or lurching walk.

Studies suggest epilepsy drug Dilantin is one of the causes of cerebellar atrophy. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), it discovered, in a 2003 study, that moderate to severe degeneration of the cerebellum occurred and was linked to long-term use of the epilepsy drug Dilantin. Cerebellar atrophy may cause other adverse side effects and complications including: seizures, tumors, and multiple sclerosis.

Recovery from cerebellar atrophy is possible, including recovery from a more focalized cerebellar degeneration, when patients stop using Dilantin. When patients decide to ween off Dilantin, that process must be monitored by a physician.

However, it must be mentioned that when patients have undergone chronic treatment with the epilepsy drug Dilantin, which has led to cerebral atrophy or degeneration, the acute toxicity developed and injuries may be permanent. One specific permanent injury that may result is cerebellar ataxia, or the lack of muscle coordination.