Dilantin adverse effects, over the long haul, reportedly include a type of brain degeneration known as cerebellar atrophy.

The cerebellum is a compartment of the brain that is responsible for certain functions in the way the heart is responsible for the circulation of blood in the body. It is located beneath the occipital lobe that receives and interprets visual stimuli and above the brain stem which works to control vital involuntary life processes like heartbeat and respiration.

The cerebellum itself works to bring together voluntary muscle movements from several involved areas of the body to coordinate complicated efforts such as ice skating, jogging, and playing a game of basketball.

Dilantin adverse effects noted after long-term treatment, according to a number of studies, may be seen externally in a patient by the failure of large muscle movements to behave in a balanced and smooth manner. These Dilantin adverse effects can typically be seen externally by an odd gait accompanied with a hesitant lateral torso motion.

Dilantin adverse effects affecting the cerebellum can also be noted in fine motor movement imbalance as well. Symptoms of this may include nystagmus—an uncontrollable side-to-side movement of the eyes, fine motor tremors of the fingers and hands, and uncoordinated tongue movements leading to slurred speech.

Phenytoin—the generic name for Dilantin—has been in use to treat seizures since the early part of the 20th century. It was first used to aid patients while they underwent electroshock therapy. The discovery of its effectiveness to control certain types of convulsive disorders came later and the drug won its place among the list of the world’s most essential medicines—a publication of the World Health Organization.

To date, it remains on this list. Phenytoin is reportedly a rare first choice among neurologists as a treatment option. It is a grandfather drug which gave rise to newer generation models with fewer side effects.

The drug is still relied upon heavily by general practitioners, emergency rooms, and neurologists who have exhausted other options with certain patients.

The trouble with connecting cerebellar atrophy with long-term use of Dilantin, is that patients with seizure disorders are known to have overall smaller cerebellums secondary to the disease. It is difficult to tease out what degree of atrophy can be attributed to seizure disorder and what to Dilantin adverse effects, however, a link has been established.

This teasing out first occurred with a 1994 study where every participant was diagnosed with a seizure disorder and 50 percent of the group were placed on Dilantin and the other on a different treatment regimen. The study was undertaken in a blind fashion where the researchers were kept ignorant as to which medication was being presented to each patient.

At the beginning of the study and at its conclusion, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests were taken to look at cerebellum size. The pictures clearly pointed to overall smaller lobes existing in those taking Dilantin over the course of the study period.

While it is never recommended to remove an anticonvulsant drug without the advice of the prescribing physician, those concerned about this information should talk to their doctors. While it is not known whether lost neural connections can be reformed, symptom improvements have been noted with a change of medication and or dosage level.