As the brand name of phenytoin, Dilantin is the go-to treatment used to control and prevent certain types of seizures that begin during or following surgery to the nervous system or brain.

Dilantin is also used to control tonic-clonic seizures and partial seizures.

However, problems may arise when Dilantin, in combination with other anticonvulsant medications, is used to treat seizures as long-term use of Dilantin has been linked to causes of cerebellar ataxia.

What is Cerebellar Ataxia?

The term cerebellar ataxia syndrome is a description of a set of symptoms rather than a specific diagnosis or disease.

Ataxia refers to an unsteadiness of gait or lack of muscle coordination.

Cerebellar refers to the part of the brain called the cerebellum. The cerebellum is located inside the back and base of the skull, just above the top of the spinal cord.

It processes input from other areas of the brain, the spinal cord, and sensory receptors. It is responsible for coordination and balance.

In cerebellar ataxia syndrome, people may have an unsteady gait or lack of coordination because of problems with the Cerebellum.

Cerebellar ataxia can be classified as acute (onset is sudden and rapid) or chronic (occurring gradually over time). It can also be recurrent (happening repeatedly on and off over time) or progressive (symptoms worsen over time).

Other possible cerebellar ataxia symptoms may include:

• Slow and slurred speech
• Unsteady, lurching walk
• Back and forth tremors in the main part of the body
• Small rapid movements in the eyes (nystagmus)

Causes of Cerebellar Ataxia

Cerebellar ataxia can appear without any obvious case, but there are many diseases, disorders and conditions reported as causes of cerebellar ataxia.

They include infectious diseases, inherited or genetic conditions, tumors, trauma, and vascular conditions.

Additional causes of cerebellar ataxia include exposure to toxins and long-term use of medications like Dilantin.

Cerebellar Ataxia Treatment

Treatment of cerebella ataxia depends on the underlying disease, disorder, or condition. Acute cerebellar ataxia caused by viral infections will usually go away without treatment after several weeks.

Treating other underlying diseases, disorders, or conditions can also help to improve symptoms of Cerebellar ataxia.

Otherwise, treatment is focused on providing support, relieving symptoms, and assisting with daily activities.

Dilantin Cerebellar Ataxia Lawsuit Information

One of the causes of cerebellar ataxia may be long-term use of Dilantin.

An increasing amount of medical research has linked long-term use of the anticonvulsant drug Dilantin (phenytoin) to an alleged increased risk of cerebellar ataxia.

Dilantin was the first modern anticonvulsant drug developed, and is commonly prescribed to individuals diagnosed with epilepsy, to help treat and prevent seizures by slowing down impulses in the brain that cause seizures.

If you or a loved on took Dilantin in combination with other anticonvulsant drugs to treat absence seizures and you have since been diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia, consult an experienced Dilantin lawyer to discuss your legal options.

You may be entitled to compensation for your cerebellar ataxia injuries, which you can pursue by filing a Dilantin lawsuit against the drug maker.