Recent studies indicate that the anti-seizure medication Dilantin is linked to cerebral atrophy, which is a degeneration of the cerebellum.

Dilantin (generic, phenytoin) is a widely prescribed treatment for epilepsy but researchers have found that long-term use of the medication can lead to severe health complications.

In a Dilantin study, epilepsy patients who used phenytoin for longer than two months were analyzed for their cerebellar volume.

Researchers discovered that a statistically significant portion of patients taking Dilantin had cerebral atrophy. 

This study confirms similar findings of a previous cerebral atrophy test in those with long term use of Dilantin.

In that Dilantin study, patients experiencing either moderate or severe cerebral atrophy were ones who had longer exposure to phenytoin than those who had mild atrophy or were without atrophy.

Researchers concluded that although the duration of epilepsy can play a contributing factor to cerebral atrophy it is not as important as how long a patient has been exposed to Dilantin. Patients who have been taking Dilantin for longer periods of time are at a greater risk for developing the serious medical condition, they found. 

What is Cerebral Atrophy?

Cerebral atrophy occurs when brain tissue cells have lost neurons and the connections between them. It is a common feature of many brain diseases that impair normal body functions. The cerebellar degeneration takes place in cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that is underneath the cerebrum behind the brain stem.

The cerebellum potion of the brain controls body movements including balance, speech, posture and coordination. This functioning is what allows the human body to have precise and balanced motion. 

When cerebral degeneration occurs, individuals can experience tremors and lack of balance which makes even the simplest of tasks difficult to achieve.

Cerebral atrophy symptoms are “stroke-like” and include the following:

• Slow speech
• Slurred speech
• Nystagmus (small, rapid movements in the eyes)
• Unsteady, lurching walk, which often includes a back and forth tremor in the main part of the body
• Slow, unsteady, jerky movements in the arms or legs

Medical experts suggest that once Dilantin patients stop taking the medication, cerebral atrophy can be treated. However, some patients allege that due to the length of Dilantin treatment, they have been left with permanent injuries especially in regards to lack of muscle coordination.

Dilantin Cerebral Atrophy Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

Epileptic patients are often prescribed Dilantin as it is among the first line of anti-seizure treatments. Phenytoin cerebral atrophy attorneys are currently investigating the link between the popular medication and cerebellar degeneration.

If you took Dilantin and experienced side effects including cerebral atrophy, you could be eligible to file a Dilantin cerebellar atrophy lawsuit.