Dilantin is an oral medication used to both prevent and control seizures. Unfortunately, patients have reported a slew of significant Dilantin oral side effects, some of which may cause severe and lasting harm, including a degenerative brain condition known as brain atrophy.

If you or a loved one have suffered from brain atrophy or other Dilantin oral side effects, you may be able to pursue litigation.

Basics of Dilantin

Dilantin (generic name phenytoin) is a medication used to treat seizures associated with epilepsy. While the antiepileptic drug cannot reverse the condition itself, it can help to alleviate the symptoms of the seizures. During an epileptic seizure, the brain begins firing neurons more rapidly than it is supposed to, causing the rapid movements emblematic of seizures. Dilantin works to treat seizures by slowing down the rapid firing of these neurons, which in turn helps control these movements.

Unfortunately, this medication has been associated with some severe Dilantin oral side effects.

Dilantin Oral Side Effects

Among the most significant Dilantin oral side effects associated with the medication is brain atrophy; specifically, degeneration of the cerebellum, the part of the brain located under the cerebrum and behind the brain stem. Cerebellar atrophy occurs as brain tissue progressively loses neurons, this degeneration may also cause the loss of connections between neurons, which can impact some of the brain’s most essential functions.

Brain atrophy can affect simple movements, coordination, and even speech. Brain atrophy can also cause tremors and shaking, as well as make certain simple physical tasks much more difficult.

Symptoms of Dilantin brain atrophy include:

• An unsteady or lurching walk
• Slow, unsteady, jerky limb movements
• Slow, slurred speech
• Nystagmus (rapid eye movement)
• Memory loss

Brain atrophy is usually associated with other conditions, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, and other brain conditions. It may also be caused by exposure to toxins from ethanol, chemotherapy drugs, or the seizure medication Dilantin.

Studies have shown a link between exposure to Dilantin—especially long-term exposure to the drug, and at higher doses—and brain atrophy. Cerebellar atrophy may be more common with more exposure to Dilantin, but reportedly may also occur with more normal amounts.

In some cases, treatment for Dilantin oral side effects may be as simple as stopping intake of the drug. In other cases, however, injuries may be permanent.

More and more Dilantin patients are coming forward with reports of Dilantin oral side effects, including brain atrophy and its symptoms. Some have turned to litigation, hoping to receive some kind of financial compensation for their injuries and medical bills. Lawsuits allege that the drug’s manufacturer, Pfizer, Inc., failed to adequately warn about the risk of serious Dilantin oral side effects associated with its antiepileptic drug.

Filing a Lawsuit over Dilantin Oral Side Effects

If you or a loved one has suffered from Dilantin oral side effects such as brain atrophy, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. While filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by Dilantin oral side effects, it could help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.