Dilantin, known generically as phenytoin phenytoin, is an anticonvulsant drug used to support individuals who suffer from epileptic seizures.

It also it is also used in an off-label fashion for other disorders including bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and more.

Many people who have otherwise not been helped with pharmaceutical medications may find great relief when using Dilantin.

However the adverse Dilantin risks are not as well known as the benefits of the drug’s use.

Adverse Dilantin Risks

The most severe complication experienced by patients using Dilantin is having their brain structure change significantly. Specifically, long-term use of Dilantin may cause brain degeneration by way of cerebellar atrophy.

Cerebellar atrophy refers to the shrinking and loss of neurons and neuronal connections in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that is responsible for movement and coordination located at the base of the brain.

Speech is also largely controlled by the actions of the cerebellum, as is balance, posture and coordination.

Cerebellar atrophy is a subtype of cerebral atrophy, which refers to brain degeneration as a whole. Cerebellar atrophy is a focal cerebral atrophy, affecting only one specific part of the brain.

Adverse Dilantin risks of cerebellar atrophy can be experienced when the medication is taken only for a short period of time, or the complications may develop after the medication has been used for months or years.

While stopping Dilantin may help to reduce the damage that has been done and may even reverse some of the cerebellar atrophy, some patients find that their condition is more permanent.

The effectiveness of reversing cerebellar degeneration is very individualized, with some patients able to regain function and reverse all of the symptoms brought on by Dilantin, while others continue to suffer with permanent loss of brain function.

Research Highlights Adverse Dilantin Risks

While much research is unable to show a direct cause between a medication and resulting symptoms or conditions, the research does have the ability to establish a strong link or connection between the medication and significant side effects.

It is well known that Dilantin use has been linked to cerebellar atrophy. A quick search of journal articles looking at phenytoin or Dilantin use with cerebellar atrophy will reveal multiple studies suggesting findings of adverse Dilantin risks.

One such study looked at the MRIs of 100 individuals who took the anticonvulsant medication for a minimum of two months. These MRIs were compared with an additional 20 MRIs from healthy adults as a control group.

The research concluded that the length of time a person was diagnosed as having epilepsy was important, but even more important was simply the use of Dilantin for any amount of time.

The longer someone was treated with Dilantin, the more likely they were to experience cerebellar atrophy. Those who had taken the medications the longest experienced the greatest atrophy in their cerebellum.

Filing a Lawsuit Over Adverse Dilantin Risks

If you or a loved one has received a diagnosis of cerebellar atrophy after taking Dilantin or phenytoin, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer for failing to warn of severe side effects. An experienced lawyer can review your case at no charge and can assist you in exploring your legal options.