Epileptic patients often take prescription medication Dilantin to control seizures, but unfortunately, Dilantin cerebellar atrophy symptoms pop up among those who have been taking the drug for extended periods of time.

The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls posture, balance, movement, speech and coordination. The cerebellum is located above and behind the brainstem.

Cerebellar atrophy is the process of degeneration of the neurons in the cerebellum. When these neurons deteriorate and die, the resulting condition is called cerebellar atrophy.

Dilantin Cerebellar Atrophy Symptoms

Dilantin works by interrupting the neurons in the brain, which slows the electrical impulses that cause seizures. Dilantin’s sole purpose is to interrupt these neurons to control seizures, so the possibility of this action causing a negative result is plausible.

Dilantin cerebellar atrophy symptoms can make a person walk as if they are intoxicated with a swaying or stumbling walk. Sometimes, a person with Dilantin cerebellar atrophy symptoms will no longer be able to sit on the edge of a bed because of an uncontrollable bobbing motion of the trunk or head.

Other Dilantin cerebellar atrophy symptoms can include the following that often resemble issues that someone experiences after having a stroke:

• Uncoordinated movements of the arms or legs
• Clumsiness with daily activities
• Difficulty walking (unsteadiness)
• Speech disturbances such as changes in tone, pitch, and volume
• Visual complaints
• Abnormal eye movements

Accompanying symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Personality changes
• Chaotic eye movements
• Clumsy or slurred speech pattern

Dilantin As a Toxin to the Cerebellum

Cerebellar atrophy can be caused by strokes, multiple sclerosis, tumors, cysts and toxins. Studies have shown that Dilantin can be a toxin to the cerebellum.

Even though it’s known that seizures themselves can cause brain atrophy, a 1994 study allowed for this fact when observing patients who took Dilantin and those who did not. The cerebelli of those treated with Dilantin were much smaller than that portion of the brain in non-treated patients.

Severity and incidence of Dilantin cerebellar atrophy symptoms appeared to be related to the doses of Dilantin ingested.

Cerebellar Atrophy Prognosis

Cerebellar atrophy is rare, but it is a serious condition that can have permanent effects.

A patient who has been taking Dilantin and has experienced any of the side effects listed above should contact a doctor immediately. Sometimes the reduction or elimination of Dilantin can ultimately result in some of the cerebral atrophy symptoms subsiding. A doctor can evaluate seizure history, Dilantin dosages and current symptoms to determine your cerebellar atrophy prognosis.

If you or a loved one have experienced Dilantin cerebellar atrophy symptoms, you could be eligible through a class action lawsuit for compensation for your suffering, hospitalization, missed work hours and other results of the debilitation.