Dilantin is a popular anticonvulsant medication manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. Unfortunately, Dilantin has reportedly been associated with a number of serious risks, including cerebellar ataxia. Some of the patients who have suffered from cerebellar ataxia due to Dilantin toxicity have responded by pursuing litigation.

Background of Dilantin

Dilantin (also sold under its generic name, phenytoin) is a popular treatment approved for epileptic seizures. When an epileptic seizure occurs, the brain fires neurons much more rapidly than normal. In order to counteract this effect, Dilantin works to slow down the pace of neurons firing, which helps to control the seizures rather than preventing them outright.

Although Dilantin has become one of the more popular anticonvulsants available on the U.S. market, it has been associated with serious and potentially permanent complications, including cerebellar ataxia. Other Dilantin side effects include diplopia, dysarthria, incoordination, drowsiness, and others.

A growing number of studies are connecting Dilantin toxicity with cerebellar ataxia. One such study was published in the Seizure European Journal of Epilepsy, and found a link between long-term use of Dilantin and a greater risk of developing cerebellar ataxia. Indeed, the study found that the longer a patient takes Dilantin, and the higher the dose, the more likely they are to develop cerebellar ataxia symptoms.

Sometimes, treatment for patients who are diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia is simply stopping their drug intake. Patients can usually be treated for this condition by withdrawing from Dilantin while being carefully monitored by a doctor.

However, for some, Dilantin cerebellar ataxia symptoms may become a permanent part of their lives.

What is Cerebellar Ataxia?

Patients who have been taken Dilantin, especially those who have been exposed to the drug long-term and at higher dosages, should be aware of the growing link between the popular anti-epilepsy drug and Dilantin cerebellar ataxia.

Dilantin cerebellar ataxia symptoms affect the cerebellum, which is a part of the brain responsible for many basic body function, including sensory abilities, voluntary movement, balance, and speech. Essentially, cerebellar ataxia is the degeneration of the cerebellum. As one might expect, a condition that attacks the cerebellum can cause major problems. Indeed, Dilantin cerebellar ataxia symptoms include loss of balance, tremors, and unstable eye movements. Patients suffering from cerebellar ataxia often move with slow, jerky movements and their speech is slurred.

For some, cerebellar ataxia symptoms are reversible, but other are left with permanent complications. Higher dosages of Dilantin and more long-term usage has been linked with increased Dilantin toxicity, and thus an increased risk of permanent cerebellar ataxia symptoms.

Filing a Dilantin Lawsuit

If you or someone you love has suffered from cerebellar ataxia symptoms or a similar issue after taking the anti-seizure medication Dilantin, you may be able to join a phenytoin lawsuit investigation.

While a lawsuit cannot adequately make up for pain and suffering caused by Dilantin toxicity and its side effects, it can at least help compensate for medical expenses and lost wages.