Have you taken the antiepileptic medication Dilantin, only to later suffer from serious adverse effects of Dilantin like cerebellar atrophy? If so, you may be able to join the growing number of plaintiffs who are pursuing litigation over these degenerative brain side effects.

What is Dilantin?

Dilantin (generic name phenytoin) is an antiepileptic medication used to treat epilepsy and seizures. Though it can’t reverse these conditions entirely, it can treat the symptoms. During an epileptic seizure, neurons in the brain fire much more rapidly than usual. Dilantin works to alleviate epilepsy symptoms by slowing down the rapid pace at which the neurons are firing.

Dilantin has become a common prescription for epilepsy, but that doesn’t mean it’s without its risks. Indeed, more and more patients are reporting serious adverse effects of Dilantin, including a serious degenerative brain condition known as cerebellar atrophy.

What exactly is cerebellar atrophy? Also known as cerebellar degeneration, cerebellar atrophy is a degenerative brain condition that affects the cerebellum (the part of the brain located beneath the cerebrum and behind the brain stem). This is the part of the brain that helps regulate basic voluntary movement like balance, coordination, posture, and speech.

Over time, affected brain tissue degenerates and loses neurons. This, in turn, causes the gradual loss of key brain functions. This can result in problems like an unsteady or lurching walk, tremors, slow or slurred speech, rapid eye movement, memory loss. These problems can make daily tasks—and regular life—difficult.

Adverse Effects of Dilantin

Diagnosis with cerebellar atrophy has been associated with a number of factors, including conditions like stroke, tumors, and Multiple Sclerosis, as well as exposure to drugs like Dilantin.

Several studies so far have shown a link between cerebellar atrophy and Dilantin exposure. This link is particularly strong for those who have been exposed to Dilantin at higher levels—whether because of higher doses, longer exposure, or both. Even for those who have taken Dilantin for just a short period of time or at lower doses, however, the risk still remains.

Studies have shown that these serious adverse effects of Dilantin can also affect children taking the medication for epilepsy.

Unfortunately, adverse effects of Dilantin may be difficult or even impossible to treat. For some, stopping Dilantin intake may be enough to reverse the effects (though this withdrawal should be monitored by a doctor). For others, however, these symptoms may become permanent—especially cerebellar ataxia, or lack of muscle coordination.

If you or a loved one has suffered from symptoms of cerebellar atrophy, you may be able to pursue litigation. While filing a lawsuit over the adverse effects of Dilantin cannot take away the pain and suffering caused side effects like cerebellar atrophy, it can at the very least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical bills and lost wages.