Dilantin, generically known as phenytoin, is a popular anticonvulsant drug used to treat epileptic seizures in patients with abnormal brain activity.

It is also used off-label for a variety of psychiatric disorders due to its mood stabilizing properties.

Dilantin has been prescribed for bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD, Tourette’s syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and Alzheimer’s symptoms.

It has also been used to help control pain, migraine and more.

While Dilantin has been life-saving for some, others have experienced Dilantin cerebellar atrophy side effects which have persisted and have negatively affected their quality of life.

What is Cerebellar Atrophy?

Cerebellar atrophy refers to brain shrinkage and degeneration in the part of the brain referred to as the cerebellum.

The cerebellum is responsible for coordinating muscular activity and it is located at the base of the brain near the spinal cord.

Cerebellar atrophy is a specific type of focal cerebral atrophy.

Atrophy of the brain can be generalized to all areas of the brain and is known as generalized cerebral atrophy.

Localized atrophy of specific brain structures is referred to as focal cerebral atrophy.

In cerebellar atrophy, the neurons, or brain nerve cells, deteriorate and eventually die.

The connections between the neurons cease to exist. Once the neurons die, the brain begins to lose volume and shrinks.

What are Dilantin Cerebellar Atrophy Side Effects?

Dilantin cerebellar atrophy side effects often mimic those seen in alcohol intoxication, as alcohol directly affects a person’s cerebellum. Dilantin cerebellar atrophy side effects can include:

• Difficulties with cognition and mood
• Difficulty with movements involving fine motor coordination
• Jerky, unsteady, slow and uncoordinated movements of the legs and arms
• Difficulty maintaining an indirect, upright posture
• Speech that is slowed or slurred
• Tripping, falling, staggering or general unsteadiness while walking
• Small, rapid movements of the eyes back and forth, known as nystagmus
• Needing to “concentrate on” movements and experiencing fatigue while engaging in normal activities

It has been postulated that possibly the epilepsy itself has been responsible for cerebellar atrophy.

However, medical research has shown that the cerebellar atrophy has a direct link with Dilantin use, not just the seizures.

In fact, the cerebellar atrophy is worse the longer Dilantin is used.

Imaging studies have confirmed cerebellar atrophy in patients using Dilantin, and when patients stop using Dilantin, many have partial or complete reversal of Dilantin cerebellar atrophy side effects, or the atrophy will stop, even if it does not reverse.

Filing a Dilantin Cerebellar Atrophy Side Effects Lawsuit

If you have suffered from cerebellar atrophy following the use of Dilantin, you may be eligible to file a Dilantin cerebellar atrophy side effects lawsuit against the manufacturer.

Plaintiffs who file lawsuits against drug manufacturers often allege that the products were defective and that the manufacturer did not adequately warn patients and physicians about the severe side effects linked to the pharmaceutical medication.

If you would like to discuss your case with an attorney to see if you qualify to file a Dilantin cerebellar atrophy side effects lawsuit, you may take advantage of a free consultation to review your personal situation.