Adverse side effects of Dilantin may include cerebellar atrophy, a side effect that patients might not have been given an adequate warning about.

Dilantin (phenytoin) is an epilepsy drug used to treat grand mal and complex partial seizures. The drug can also be used to prevent seizures that may happen during or after brain surgery and to treat symptoms of anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, aggressive behavior, Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD, and other psychological conditions.

According to FDA documentation, the drug works by stabilizing the neurological response to excessive stimulation and environmental changes, such as flashing lights, which are common triggers for epilepsy.

Despite the drug’s many uses and effectiveness in treated epilepsy, adverse side effects of Dilantinmay outweigh the benefits. Recent studies have shown that long-term use of Dilantin may lead to cerebellar atrophy.

Cerebellar atrophy is a degenerative condition that affects the cerebellum. The most common causes of cerebellar atrophy are stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, seizures, and cerebellar disorders. Cerebellar atrophy involves a degeneration of brain tissue, loss of neurons, and loss of neurological connections. When the neurological connections in the cerebellum are diminished, function is decreased, and side effects begin to occur.

The cerebellum is a round structure found at the base of the spine, behind the brain stem. The connections and structures within the cerebellum help regulate voluntary movements such as posture, balance, coordination, and speech. A healthy cerebellum creates smooth, balanced, and precise movements.

When the cerebellum is damaged, from cerebellar atrophy or another condition, movements can become unsteady. The symptoms of cerebellar atrophy are often compared to those of a stroke. Symptoms include lack of balance, slow movements, a lurching or unsteady walk, tremors, shaking, unstable eye movements, slurred or slow speech, and memory loss.

Various studies have been done as far back as 1994 which document the adverse side effects of Dilantin. A 1994 study took into consideration that seizures, which Dilantin is taken to treat, can also cause cerebellar atrophy. This study found that compared to non-Dilantin exposed patients, patients on Dilantin were significantly more likely to develop cerebellar atrophy.

A 2003 study found that long-term use was related to moderate to severe cerebral atrophy. Another study found that cerebellar atrophy as one of the adverse side effects of Dilantin can also affect children.

Studies report that adverse side effects of Dilantin, including cerebellar atrophy, occur after long-term use and typically occur when the drug serum levels are above the recommended therapeutic range. However, some cases of adverse side effects of Dilantin have occurred in patients with drug serum levels within the recommended therapeutic range.

Although studies have shown that adverse side effects of Dilantin may involve cerebellar atrophy, the studies also show that patients can recover from the side effects if the drug treatment is stopped. However, as with all neurological damage, not every patient responds the same, and some injuries, especially a lack of muscle coordination, may be permanent.

If you or a loved one experienced cerebellar atrophy as one of the adverse side effects of Dilantin, you may qualify for legal action. A Dilantin cerebellar atrophy lawsuit could recover compensation for medical bills, loss of wages, permanent disability, pain and suffering, and other damages sustained from adverse side effects of Dilantin.