Many patients have been prescribed the medication Dilantin to treat their epilepsy related symptoms. However, this drug has been connected to serious brain complications including Dilantin cerebellar ataxia.

Dilantin, generically known as phenytoin, is an anticonvulsant drug that is commonly prescribed to treat seizures and epileptic symptoms. It has been used to treat these symptoms for decades as phenytoin was developed in the early 20th century. It has been a miracle drug for many people and is used often now to ensure patients do not go into seizure during surgery.

Dilantin use has been connected with some serious brain complications. Dilantin cerebellar ataxia is characterized by the loss of the regulation of voluntary movements such as the ability to balance oneself, speech and posture. When the cerebellum is damaged, as is the case with Dilantin cerebellar ataxia, the symptoms can look very similar to a stroke.

Other alarming symptoms of Dilantin cerebellar ataxia is the shaking of the body and darting and unstable eye movements. The body, when suffering from Dilantin cerebellar ataxia, will experience slowed movements and tremors. The patient might also experience a lack of balance.

Additionally, a patient might walk in an unsteady way characterized by tremors. Other symptoms of Dilantin cerebellar ataxia include frequent stumbling.

Difficulty eating or performing fine motor tasks is also at risk when a person develops Dilantin cerebellar ataxia. His or her speech might be slurred and slowed down as well and the patient might experience frequent headaches.

This condition is a type of cerebral atrophy that can occur with extended Dilantin use. Cerebral atrophy is the shrinking or the degeneration of the neurons, or the connections of the brain.

If this occurs all over the brain, it is cerebral atrophy and considered “generalized.” If it occurs in the area of the brain known as the cerebellum, it is considered focalized. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls speech, voluntary movement, balance and coordination. This part of the brain allows an individual to move smoothly, precisely and with balance.

When cerebellar atrophy occurs as a result of phenytoin use, it can create a condition known as Dilantin cerebellar ataxia.

It has been found that long term Dilantin use increases the risks of patients developing cerebellar ataxia as a result of cerebellar atrophy. In addition, when the dosage of Dilantin is above the therapeutic range and over a long period of time, the brain has been shown to suffer.

When patients stop taking Dilantin, some symptoms may be reversed. However, if you are taking Dilantin, do not cease taking the drug without discussing it with your doctor.

If you believe you or a loved one has developed Dilantin cerebellar ataxia as a result of taking Dilantin, or if you have experienced any of the above symptoms while on Dilantin, you may benefit from speaking with an experienced attorney.

While monetary compensation cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by Dilantin cerebellar atrophy, it may help alleviate the medical costs and lost wages.