A link between Dilantin and cerebellar degeneration has become a significant concern in the medical community and patient population since the early  1990s.

The alleged correlation between Dilantin and cerebellar degeneration was first observed in a study published in 1994, when it was noted that patients prescribed the antiepileptic medication had significantly smaller cerebella.

Researchers initially conducted this study to observe how Dilantin’s treatment mechanism affected the brain when preventing seizures and noticed the cerebelli patterns in MRI images.

This study was published in Neurology Archives and consisted of 36 patients, which spurred other scientists to investigate the alleged correlation between Dilantin and cerebellar degeneration.

Phenytoin is the active ingredient in Dilantin, and is the primary ingredient linked to the alleged cerebellar damage. It is important to note that pediatric Dilantin patients have also exhibited symptoms of cerebellar degeneration, with some studies suggesting that children on long term prescriptions may also be vulnerable to the effects of phenytoin toxicity.

This study found that patients who were on long term prescriptions or had higher phenytoin exposure rates, had faced a significantly higher risk of developing a type of focal cerebral atrophy.

Cerebral atrophy can shrink one or more parts of the brain and cause it to lose vital neurological functions. Cerebellar atrophy is a type of focal cerebral atrophy that primarily affects the cerebellum, which sits under the brainstem and is vital for voluntary movement processing.

Cerebellar atrophy is often a permanent condition that can cause the patients to experience movement and speech difficulties for the rest of their lives, so it is important for patients to know that there could be a causal relationship between Dilantin and cerebellar degeneration.

Overview of Dilantin and Cerebellar Degeneration Problems

Dilantin is one of the oldest and most commonly prescribed antiepileptic medications in the United States and has been on the market since the 1960s.

Dilantin works by slowing down the electrical signals in the brain, which helps prevent the onset of seizures. While this treatment method is very helpful to epileptic patients, the effects of phenytoin toxicity have left many doctors and patients concerned about potential long-term complications.

Cerebellar atrophy has become a primary concern, with patients often developing permanent speech and movement problems allegedly from phenytoin toxicity. While a number of other factors can increase the chances of cerebellar atrophy development, drug toxicity has been a known contributor.

It is important for Dilantin patients to talk to their doctors as soon as possible if they have any concerns regarding cerebellar atrophy, with signs and symptoms including:

• Slow, unsteady, or jerky movements in arms or legs
• Slow and slurred speech
• Nystagmus (small rapid eye movements)
• Memory loss
• Unsteady walking gait
• Needing intense concentration for regular activities

Patients who develop cerebellar atrophy are often prescribed different recommendations like drug treatment or physical therapy to help mitigate the symptoms, helping them live a normal life.