While some case studies conclude that Dilantin can cause cerebellar atrophy, this problem associated with the “grandfather” of epilepsy drugs is identified as a rare side effect.

Some of Dilantin’s more common side effects are similar to cerebellar atrophy symptoms, however. These symptoms include slurred speech, nystagmus—or involuntary eye movements, and loss of overall muscle coordination.

What is Cerebellar Atrophy?

Any discussion of the cause of cerebellar atrophy must start with a thorough understanding of what the condition is exactly. The cerebellum is a lobe—or section—of the brain consisting of two halves or hemispheres. It is placed behind the area where the brain stem connects with the brain and contains about half of the specialized nerve cells that communicate important information via electrical impulses.

The cerebellum’s neuron-dense makeup is belied by its size. It is a very small part of the whole of the brain, estimated to be about 10 percent of the whole in terms of weight. Nevertheless, it is charged with a very important list of tasks. Its major task is the overall coordination of movement across voluntary muscle groups necessary for complex activities such as playing basketball, roller skating, and even everyday walking.

This coordination task involves organizing the body’s sense of balance and posture to ensure smooth movement. Since the cerebellum is vital for learning motor behaviors early in life, birth injury or defects involving the cerebellum may affect the person’s ability to negotiate movement and speech for the duration of his or her existence.

Cerebellar atrophy is the loss of neurons in this lobe of the brain, resulting in a loss of size or mass. While one is not paralyzed with this size decrease, a number of symptoms which are life-impinging can be noted.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for most patients with cerebellar atrophy, though it depends on the underlying cause. If the condition was caused by taking a certain medication, for instance, stopping the intake of this medicine would hopefully be able to stop the symptoms from getting worse.

What Would You Expect To Notice About A Person With Cerebellar Atrophy?

If you were to watch a person with cerebellar atrophy go about the activities of daily living, you would definitely note an unsteady gait, halting movements, and a definitive overall body tremor. They may demonstrate difficulty negotiating words when speaking and appear intoxicated when talking due to having a slur. Accompanying the speech difficulties would be problems with swallowing.

Does A Seizure Disorder Cause Cerebellar Atrophy?

Attributing Dilantin as a cause of cerebellar atrophy is difficult in that a seizure disorder for which you would take this anticonvulsant can also compromise this part of the brain. A study controlled for this fact by enrolling a sizeable group of patients with similar diagnoses and placing half of them on an alternate treatment regimen. The other half continued with Dilantin—known generically as phenytoin.

At the conclusion of the study, researchers reportedly found that those that remained on Dilantin had the most notable change in cerebellar size as measured by radiological imaging. Further research following up on this finding resulted in data pointing to the dangers of long-term use of the medication. Also of concern was the drug being administered in levels above the normal range. Cerebellar atrophy was also found in patients testing within therapeutic levels, however.

According to the study published in the Seizure European Journal of Epilepsy, for patients who take Dilantin for longer periods of time or at higher dosages, the risk of developing cerebellar atrophy is significantly increased.

For patients with a number of risk factors (such as the use of Dilantin along with a brain condition), the risk of developing cerebellar atrophy may even be compounded.

If Dilantin Can Cause Cerebellar Atrophy, How Else Can it Affect the Brain?

Because Dilantin works by reducing the over-firing of electrical impulses in the brain, mental health changes may be noted. 

Some patients on Dilantin develop suicidal thoughts, and these must be addressed with a caregiver and/or doctor immediately. Other Dilantin side effects can include:

• Suicidal discussions or thoughts
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Violent outbursts
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Mania (abnormal excitability)

Dilantin may even cause side effects beyond the brain’s mechanisms. Dilantin can increase the risk of developing weak and soft bones, which is believed to be caused by the medication’s interference with the body’s metabolism of vitamin D.

The drug also may increase the risk of developing Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is cancer that starts in the lymph nodes.

Dilantin may cause an increase in gum development, and swelling or bleeding of the gums. This can place your mouth at risk of gum damage, which means extra care should be taken with dental hygiene while on the drug.

Can Dilantin Cause Stevens Johnson Syndrome?

Not only may Dilantin cause cerebellar atrophy, but also Stevens Johnson Syndrome, which is a potentially fatal allergic skin reaction that was found in 73 patients diagnosed with SJS who were taking ani-seizure medications, 14 of whom had been taking Dilantin.

Such hypersensitivity to drugs is rare, but not as rare among patients taking antiepileptic drugs.

Symptoms of Stevens Johnson Syndrome generally start by resembling the flu. The patient may have a fever, sore throat, cough and burning eyes, but serious complications arise quickly when the rash appears.

Blisters on the skin and mucous membranes, a raised red or purple blotchy-looking rash, hives and a swollen face or tongue are all signs that the patient needs immediate medical attention for Stevens Johnson Syndrome. As the rash and blistering worsen, the patient can experience pain as if they are being chemically burned from the inside.

The mucous membranes of the mouth, eyes and genitalia may develop blisters as well as the skin.

In addition to the presence of the external rash, the body’s internal organs may be suffering damage, too. If the rash becomes infected, the patient may suffer from sepsis, which means infection has entered the bloodstream and can cause multiple organ failure or even death.

According to Merck, when less than 10% of the body’s skin surface is peeling from the blistering rash, the condition is known as Stevens Johnson Syndrome, but when more than 30% of the body is affected, the ailment is considered to be Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. Either condition can become life-threatening very quickly.

Can Pregnant Women Safely Take Dilantin?

Dilantin is considered a category D drug, which means the FDA has found evidence of human fetal risk, but potential benefits may warrant the use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

What Is Dilantin Toxicity?

Dilantin is a very potent drug, which means even the slightest increase can cause Dilantin toxicity. Dilantin toxicity, or phenytoin toxicity, is more apt to occur when doses are increased or other medications that interact with Dilantin are started or stopped. Signs of this condition include dizziness, drowsiness, lack of coordination, rapid eye movements and extreme fatigue.

Filing a Dilantin Lawsuit

More and more Dilantin users are coming forward with allegations that their use of the popular medication caused them to develop cerebellar atrophy. Lawsuits allege that Pfizer, Inc., failed to adequately warn patients and the medical community alike about the risk of phenytoin cerebellar atrophy.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cerebellar atrophy after the use of Dilantin, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by this condition, but it can at least alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, especially while dealing with serious health complications, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.