Diphenylhydantoin-Induced Cerebellar Degeneration

Abstract
Two patients received large amounts of diphenylhydantoin for 28 months or more. While receiving diphenylhydantoin, they acquired severe cerebellar deficits and a peripheral neuropathy that was irreversible. In each case, marked cerebellar atrophy was demonstrated by pneumoencephalography. The cerebellar atrophy and irreversible dysfunction in these two cases is attributed to long-term, high dosages of diphenylhydantoin.