I was on Phenytoin for Epilepsy for 19 years, my neurologist says that the drug caused cellular deterioration in my cerebellum. This causes balance, coordination, speech, and motor function issues. I was told that this deterioration is permanent and cannot be fixed. Has anyone encountered this? Any help is appreciated, living with this is extremely difficult.

Type into Google "phenytoin ataxia" and many hits will show in a list.

Here is one example:
http://www.neurology.org/content/35/8/1152.short

The nerve damage from phenytoin is supposed to be reversible for the most part, if you provide the nutrients needed for the repair.

This article gives two suggestions.

There may be other things you can do too.. like Fish oil, B12, etc.
We have a neuropathy forum you can read and post questions, there.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum20.html

Going gluten free may help also, as gluten in the diet (from wheat, barley and rye) can also cause an ataxia as well.

kalowens85,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Please keep us up to date on your situation. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

I was on Dilantin (phenytoin) for almost 40 years. A MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging showed shrinking of my cerebellum, and a considerable atrophy. Dilantin also predisposes you to osteoporosis To battle the bad reflexes of a tiny cerebellum I have done a number balance exercises, designed for older people or people with problems. Here are some.
Physical Therapy Exercise for Seniors - Balance and Stability 2:22 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZXmc6Jj0-Y
bpmrx for physical therapists ben musholt with weights
very good

Safe Bending #1 .42 minute
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIhooIdKxuQ
Margaret Martin

Balance Exercises for Seniors .3:21 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06ayiJ8XS9s
Dr. Nick Reiser, director of physical therapy services at Concordia Lutheran Ministries

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kg-SmZ4s0w
joe tong instructionalfitness.com step exercises for seniors
Gold's Gym Venice Beach

Balance Training Exercises 5:03 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWuKEt96Jjs
ACEfitness
good over all explanation
ACE Exercise Physiologist, Fabio Comana

Strength Training w Rachel Eisenman - part 1 - Warm Up & Aerobics.mov 7:50 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...lDqAj3zo0&NR=1
projectfind

Strength Training w Rachel Eisenman - part 2 - Strength Exercises.mov .
8:16 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5CvU7X9T7I
projectfind

Strength Training w Rachel Eisenman - part 3 - Balance & Flexibility.mov .1:40 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I05WFaFlt9Aprojectfind
projectfind


Senior Exercise Videos: The 3 CIRCLES 2:25 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-juWPR2aKJs
Fall Prevention Lady aka, Kelly Ward SEATED
take5toexecise.com

http://www.eldergym.com/elderly-balance.html
Doug Schrift a page EXCELLENT

Stepper Exercise for Seniors
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrHoGuDSlXE
Pravin Mehta very good tips

The Balance Manual
http://www.thebalancemanual.com/inde...FQjznAod3WAAOg
A 4 part balance Ecourse by Mike Ross

Chair Exercise for Balance and Posture . 4:02 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4CavNfZP70
stronger seniors

Balance and Posture Exercise for Seniors 5:24 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=837LbMNW5so
StrongerSeniors

How to Do Balance Exercises for Seniors 3:26 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdW3vHF1828
Tricia van der Walde of About.com STANDING Wall FOR SUPPORT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36TeLrvRx2k
excellent over-all exercises sit and be fit

How to Do Balance Exercises for Seniors 3:36 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdW3vHF1828
Tricia van der Walde of bodytonemassage.com

an anthology and taster from
stronger seniors Anne Pringle Burnell physical therapist,
sit and be fit mary ann wilson-registered nurse ,
expert village, jnb120754,
sparks chairexerciseteam,
dr karl knopf,
vicky hitchens,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtWBV...e=results_main
11 videos
stronger seniors Anne Pringle Burnell physical therapist,

Balance Exercises for Seniors : Yoga 101 2:34 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1yOPicwZtg
STANDING or Sitting-she demonstates both
Suzanne Andrews
ehowfitness

Chair dancing aerobics 3:48 minutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eUmRwRyWD8
zumba 3:48 minutes zumbarose


Linnie

Dilantin causes folic acid and B12 deficiencies. If you have the mutated MTHRF gene, it is even more difficult for your body to absorb the folic acid and B12.