Long-term use of phenytoin, the grandfather of epilepsy medication treatment, has been shown to contribute toDilantin brain shrinkage which tends to be localized to the cerebellum.

Dilantin brain shrinkage may be hard to pinpoint specifically, as seizure disorders themselves have been known to cause atrophy to this part of the brain as well.

There are other potential causes to consider when undertaking an investigation of this phenomena such as multiple sclerosis, ethanol abuse, chemotherapy treatment, and tumors.

A study whose results were released in 1994 controlled at least the epilepsy involvement in atrophy of the cerebellum. The data pointed to a definite tendency for patients exposed to phenytoin over the long-haul to have Dilantin brain shrinkage.

A 2003 study confirmed this relationship and its proclivity to show up after lengthy medication treatment. Cerebellar atrophy has also been noted when the drug blood levels are above a beneficial range.

Where is the Cerebellum?

Dilantin brain shrinkage most affects the cerebellum. The cerebellum is located at the base of the skull behind the brain stem.

The brain stem controls vital involuntary functions such as respiration and heartbeat, whereas the cerebellum controls and regulates voluntary muscle or motor movements. Smooth, coordinated and balanced movements are the hallmark of a healthy cerebellum—which like most brain lobes has a right and left hemisphere.

When Dilantin brain shrinkage or cerebellar atrophy from other causes is pronounced, changes in gait, speech, eye movements, and balance will be noted. Some of the common viewable symptoms would be:

• A lurching walk
• Rapid side-to-side movements of the eyes
• Loss of memory
• Tremors
• Unsteady, unsure steps
• Slurred speech as if drunk

While some sufferers may not actually show any symptoms and intellectual functioning is rarely impaired except for memory, discovering long-term effects of phenytoin use, such as Dilantin brain shrinkage, may indicate that it is time for a change of medication choice.

The patient should never go “cold turkey” off of Dilantin without consulting their prescribing physician. That choice could cause greater overall problems. The doctor should be able to set up a plan for introduction of new drug while slowly eliminating the other.

The History of Dilantin

Dilantin, also known generically as phenytoin, is an anticonvulsant drug that was discovered in 1908.

First used to prevent seizures during electroshock treatment alone, it didn’t become popular for general seizure disorder treatment until the 1940s. Once introduced, its success motivated researchers to come up with several other epilepsy drug choices over the next couple of decades.

While rarely the first choice of treatment by specialists in treatment of brain disorders like epilepsy, Dilantin is still commonly relied upon by emergency room physicians and general practitioners. It is very effective in bringing a potentially fatal emergent condition known as status epilepticus under control.

Globally, it is one of the least expensive drugs to stock as well and is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medications. Wholesale cost is around $.15 cents per dose and it only costs approximately $30 a month for an individual to stay on the drug.