Although the medication Dilantin is a popular option to treat those who have epilepsy and seizures, a growing number of patients are reporting suffering from adverse effects of Dilantin, including the degenerative brain condition known as cerebellar atrophy.

If you or someone you love has suffered from this or other adverse effects of Dilantin, you may be able to file a lawsuit.

Background of Dilantin

Dilantin (also known by its generic name, phenytoin) is a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug used for the treatment of epilepsy and seizures. When a person suffers an epileptic seizure, the brain’s neurons fire much more rapidly than usual, which sparks convulsions or rapid movements. Dilantin works by targeting the rapidly firing neurons, slowing them down and controlling the effects of the seizure.

Despite the popularity of the medication, there are a few adverse effects of Dilantin of which patients may not be aware, including a serious complication known as cerebellar atrophy.

Studies have shown that the use of Dilantin—especially long-term use—can increase a person’s risk of developing cerebellar atrophy, or atrophy of the brain. Cerebellar atrophy is a degenerative disease that can affect essential functions like movement, speech, and coordination.

Essentially, atrophy of the brain occurs when the brain tissue of the cerebellum (the part of the brain under the cerebrum and behind the brain stem) degenerates, losing both neurons and the essential connections they form. If the cerebellum is damaged via atrophy of the brain, a person can experience issues like lack of balance, slow movement, and tremors, which can make regular physical tasks difficult.

Cerebellar atrophy may be caused by a number of factors, including stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, tumors, seizures, brain toxins, chemotherapy, and exposure to Dilantin.

Adverse Effects of Dilantin

In a study published in the Seizure European Journal of Epilepsy, researchers found that long-term use of Dilantin, especially at a higher dosage, makes patients more likely to develop serious adverse effects of Dilantin like cerebellar atrophy than patients who take regular levels of Dilantin for a short period of time. Of course, even for patients who have taken Dilantin for a short period of time at a normal dose, cerebellar atrophy is still a risk.

While these adverse effects of Dilantin are not directly life-threatening, they can make a person unsteady, and basic daily tasks difficult, or even impossible. For some, cerebellar atrophy treatment may be as simple as stopping Dilantin intake (though withdrawal should be overseen by their doctor). For others, this may not be possible, and injuries—especially lack of muscle coordination—can actually become permanent.

For those that suffer the adverse effects of Dilantin, legal recourse might be an option. While filing a Dilantin lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by atrophy of the brain or other adverse effects of Dilantin, it can help to compensate for financial expenses incurred by medical bills and even lost wages. If you or someone you love has experienced cerebellar atrophy and there may be a Dilantin link, and you may be able to file a lawsuit.