Studies suggest that Dilantin side effects may include cerebral atrophy, a dangerous degenerative condition involving chronic damage to brain tissue and neurological connections.

Dilantin (phenytoin) is an epilepsy medication used to treat patients with grand mal seizures and partial complex seizures. The drug is also prescribed to prevent seizures before and after brain surgery and to treat conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, aggressive behavior, Tourette’s syndrome, and ADHD.

Dilantin works to treat these conditions by stabilizing the neurological response to stimuli such as flashing lights and other common seizure triggers. Although the drug has a wide range of applications, studies suggest that Dilantin may cause numerous Dilantin side effects including cerebellar atrophy, a type of cerebral atrophy.

Cerebral atrophy in the cerebellum involves chronic damage to the cerebellum and degeneration of brain tissue. Common causes of cerebral atrophy include brain damage, stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, seizures, and cerebellar disorders.

Extended cerebral atrophy in the cerebellum can cause poor neurological connections within the small, round structure situated at the base of the brain stem. When healthy, the cerebellum creates smooth balance, speech, and coordination. However, when the cerebellum is damaged by cerebral atrophy, movements can become unsteady. Symptoms of cerebral atrophy in the cerebellum often resemble symptoms of a stroke, including lack of balance, slow movements, lurching or unsteady walk, tremors, shaking, unstable eye movements, slurred or slow speech, and memory loss.

Although exact link between Dilantin use and cerebral atrophy is not fully understood, scientific evidence has been available to support the link since the 1990s. In 1994, researchers investigated the link while also considering that seizures, which Dilantin is prescribed to prevent, can also cause cerebellar atrophy in the cerebellum. Even when considering the potential effects of seizure damage, the study still showed a significant correlation between Dilantin and cerebral atrophy.

Other studies on the issue have expanded understanding of the link, with new facts being uncovered with each study. One study found that cerebral atrophy can occur in children treated with Dilantin. Further studies showed that long term Dilantin use increases the risk of developing cerebral atrophy and that the condition is more common when drug serum levels in the blood are above the recommended therapeutic range. However, these rules are not universal, as cerebral atrophy has occurred with short term Dilantin treatment and when the drug serum levels are within the accepted therapeutic range.

On a positive note, recovery from Dilantin cerebral atrophy may be possible. After discontinuing treatment with the seizure drug, patients have been able to recover. However, not all patients will recover with the same success. Long term side effects are possible due to damage caused by Dilantin cerebral atrophy, especially persistent lack of muscle coordination.

If you or a loved one suffered from cerebral atrophy or other Dilantin side effects while taking the seizure medication, you may be eligible to take legal action. A Dilantin lawsuit could help recover compensation for medical expenses, permanent disability, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and more.