Phenytoin, an anticonvulsant also known as Dilantin, may not be as safe and effective as originally thought.

Long-term phenytoin use has been linked with serious complications such as focal cerebral atrophy for quite some time.

Some patients who have suffered from long-term Dilantin side effectsare filing phenytoin lawsuits, hoping to gain some kind of compensation in exchange for their physical and emotional suffering.

What is Phenytoin?

Phenytoin, a popular drug for the treatment of epilepsy, helps to stop seizures during the early stages. Phenytoin is the generic form of Dilantin, and is one of the more commonly used antiepileptic drugs.

When a person suffers from a seizure, the neurons in their brain cells fire off much more rapidly than usual. Phenytoin and other anti-seizure medications like it prevent the patient’s brain cells from firing off these neurons at such a rapid pace, which in turn helps control seizures.

Long-term Phenytoin Side Effects

Phenytoin is connected with several neurological side effects. These phenytoin side effects include diplopia, dysarthria, cerebellar ataxia, incoordination, drowsiness, and others.  These conditions are all focal cerebral atrophy symptoms.

A study was recently published discussing the link between focal cerebral atrophy and long-term phenytoin use. Ultimately, the study concluded that the amount of time a patient is exposed to phenytoin affects how likely it is that they develop long-term Dilantin side effects such as focal cerebral atrophy.

Focal cerebral atrophy causes the cerebellum’s brain tissue to degenerate and lose neurons.  This condition is also known as cerebellar atrophy.

The cerebellum, which is the portion of the brain located under the cerebrum and behind the brain stem, is responsible for movements such as coordination, speech, posture, and balance.

This is why, when the cerebellum is damaged, the focal cerebral atrophy causes symptoms including unstable eye movement, lack of control over body movements, tremors, and imbalance issues.

These side effects can mean that physical tasks become difficult, unsteady, or even impossible. Cerebellar atrophy symptoms are similar to those of a stroke.

Research into the link between phenytoin and cerebellar atrophy indicates that the condition tends to show up after long-term use and when the drug levels are above the normal range.

However, the condition has previously been reported when taken in the normal usage range as well.

Some patients who undergo long-term phenytoin use and suffer from the symptoms focal cerebral atrophy causes can rid themselves of these problems by stopping their drug intake. Patients can usually be treated for this condition by withdrawing from phenytoin while being carefully monitored by a doctor.

However, some patients who have taken phenytoin for extended periods of time may find that these cerebral atrophy symptoms can become a permanent part of their lives.

In these instances, phenytoin used as chronic treatment may have led to persistent cerebellar dysfunction. This is most common with cerebellar ataxia, which is the lack of muscle coordination.

Phenytoin Lawsuits

These long-term Dilantin side effects can cause great damage, especially if they become permanent.

If you or someone you know has suffered from focal cerebral atrophy (cerebellar atrophy) after taking the anti-seizure medication phenytoin (generic brand Dilantin) you may be able to join a phenytoin lawsuit investigation.

While a lawsuit cannot adequately make up for pain and suffering from cerebral atrophy and cerebral atrophy symptoms, it can help compensate for injuries.