Cerebellar atrophy is a condition in which neurons in the cerebellum deteriorate and lose brain function, which greatly impacts the patient’s ability to speak and move.

The cerebellum sits behind the brain stem and controls muscle coordination and balance, according to the National Institute of Health. It affects the brain’s ability to send signals to the spinal cord and also affects the brain’s overall ability to effectively communicate with the central nervous system.

Genetic vulnerabilities to drug toxicity can cause cerebellar atrophy. In particular, popular antiepileptic drug Dilantin (phenytoin) has been linked to cerebellar atrophy for decades.

According to a study from Neurology Archives, doctors analyzed over 30 epileptic patients and noted their cerebella were significantly smaller compared to patients not exposed to phenytoin.

There have been several studies conducted since then, including one 2003 inquiry that indicates long term phenytoin exposure could increase the chances of cerebellar atrophy. It has even been suggested that children prescribed phenytoin based medications may be at risk for developing this condition.

Dilantin works by slowing down the electrical signals in the brain, which helps prevent the onset of seizures. However, the treatment mechanism has been allegedly increasing the chances of cerebellar atrophy.

Dilantin is one of the most well known antiepileptic medications in the United States, which makes its alleged correlation with cerebellar atrophy very troubling. Here are some frequently asked questions phenytoin patients and other concerned consumers have asked:

What are the most common causes of cerebellar atrophy?

While the potential cause of cerebellar atrophy ranges between patients, these are generally considered the most common contributing factors according to the Mayo clinic:

• Head trauma (especially to the brain and spinal cord)
• Stroke
• Cerebral palsy
• Autoimmune diseases (multiple sclerosis and other conditions that can cause ataxia)
• Infections
• Paraneoplastic syndromes (rare degenerative disorders triggered by the body’s immune system’s response to a malignant tumor)
• Brain tumor
• Toxicity reaction
• Heavy metal poisoning
• Alcohol and drug intoxication
• Vitamin E, vitamin B-12, or thiamine deficiency

What are the common risk factors for cerebellar atrophy?

Generally, if patients engage in unhealthy habits like heavy drug and alcohol consumption or participate in high risk behaviors that can result in head injuries.

Other patients that may be at risk could have certain genetic vulnerabilities like Multiple Sclerosis, or are at higher risk for developing brain degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Furthermore, medications including phenytoin have been linked to increased risk of cerebellar atrophy.

What are the symptoms of cerebellar atrophy?

The signs and symptoms of cerebellar atrophy include:

• Unsteady or lurching walking gait, which often includes a back and forth tremor
• Slow, unsteady, jerky movements in arms or legs
• Slow and slurred speech
• Memory loss
• Nystagmus (small rapid eye movements)

Is there a cure for cerebellar atrophy?

No, but the symptoms can be mitigated. The treatment recommendations will vary between patients, with most involving physical therapy. However, some symptoms of certain non genetic forms of cerebellar atrophy can be reversed if the underlying cause is treated.

For example, nutritional deficiency or alcoholic induced cerebellar damaged could be alleviated with dietary supplements, depending on what the doctor recommends.

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