Although taking Dilantin capsules may seem like a low impact seizure treatment, the drug may have long term neurological side effects.

Dilantin capsules and the generic form of the drug (phenytoin) are commonly prescribed to patients of all ages as a treatment for epileptic seizures – including grand mal seizures and partial complex seizures. The drug may also be used to prevent seizures before or after brain surgery.

Dilantin prevents seizures by stabilizing the brain’s neurological response to environmental stimuli such as flashing lights. These stimuli often act as triggers for epilepsy patients due to the response they elicit, but taking Dilantin capsules is one way to prevent an excessive neurological response.

Patients may be prescribed Dilantin capsules to treat mental health conditions including Dilantin include anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, aggressive behavior, Tourette’s syndrome, and ADHD.

Treatment of seizures is important because they pose a variety of dangers to patients. Individuals may be at risk for injury during a seizure, which poses short term danger. In the long term, seizures may cause progressive brain damage. However, although treatment of seizures is important, Dilantin capsules may do more harm than good according to scientific data linking the drug with cerebellar atrophy.

Cerebellar atrophy is a degenerative brain condition which disintegrates the neurological connections in the cerebellum. The issue is commonly caused by events or conditions that damage the brain, including brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, seizures, and cerebellar disorders.

When the cerebellum is healthy, it helps the brain create balanced movements and smooth coordination. The neurological structure also helps with speech patterns. When cerebellar atrophy damages the cerebellum, these functions begin to deteriorate.

The weakening of cerebellar neurological connections may result in symptoms that mirror those of a stroke, including tremors, shaking, unstable eye movements, slurred or slow speech, memory loss, and cerebellar ataxia (movement abnormalities including staggering, broadened stance, and abnormal gait).

Due to these neurological side effects, cerebellar atrophy is a serious condition. Should cerebellar atrophy be a side effect of treatment with Dilantin capsules, it could be devastating to the safety profile of the drug.

There have reportedly been scientific studies as early as the 1990s which showed that Dilantin was linked to cerebellar atrophy. Many studies have aimed to investigate how and why Dilantin influences cerebellar atrophy. In 1994, a study was conducted which aimed to investigate the link while also considering the fact that the very condition Dilantin is prescribed to treat can also lead to cerebellar atrophy.

This study reportedly found that even when compensating for the statistical risk posed by seizures, Dilantin was associated with a higher risk for cerebellar atrophy.

Other studies conducted since then have shed new light on Dilantin capsules and their neurological risks. Researchers have discovered that cerebellar atrophy can affect all patient populations including children. Further studies have shown that the condition is most common when drug serum levels are outside of the normal therapeutic range.

Luckily for affected patients, recovery may be possible when treatment with Dilantin capsules is discontinued. However, complete recovery may not be possible and symptoms such as cerebellar ataxia may be permanent.