Ataxia in general refers to a lack of muscle coordination. This lack of muscle coordination can make it difficult for individuals to swallow, to walk, to focus their eyes, to speak clearly, to pick up objects and perform other movements.

Specifically, there is a type of ataxia known as cerebellar ataxia, and this ataxia develops when the cerebellum is affected. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that is responsible for coordination and movement. It is located at the back of the brain near the brain stem, where the spinal cord and brain meet.

Sometimes, individuals of any age may appear to act as if they are intoxicated with alcohol. However, there can be a medical reason behind the behavior, and that is cerebellar ataxia. What causes ataxia, and what are the symptoms associated with the condition?

What Causes Ataxia?

There can be a number of issues relating to the development of ataxia. Looking into what causes ataxia spans from environmental issues to infections to structural issues to autoimmune issues and even vaccinations.

Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus and other viral and bacterial infections have been known to impact the cerebellum to cause ataxia. When these infections move into the brain, movement and coordination can be drastically affected.

Toxic exposures are also included in the possibilities of what causes ataxia. Insecticides, heavy metals, workplace chemicals and even community aerial spraying for things like West Nile virus and other pests can cause ataxia in certain individuals.

Blood clots, obstruction of the arteries in the brain, abscesses and hemorrhage can all be structural issues that lead to the development of ataxia. The immune system can attack the cerebellum and certain autoimmune conditions known as paraneoplastic syndromes may develop.

Vaccines can also cause cerebellar ataxia. Although vaccines are typically seen as a public health necessity, there are many chemicals, heavy metals, cells derived from humans and animals and sometimes live viruses in vaccines can cause ataxia, generalized brain swelling and many other physical issues that are not openly discussed during informed consent immunization procedures.

Dilantin and Cerebellar Ataxia

Additionally, some medications can cause ataxia. One medication in particular that has been linked with the development of cerebellar ataxia is Dilantin.

Dilantin is an anticonvulsant medication that has been linked with atrophy, or shrinkage, of the cerebellum, leading to problems with movement and coordination. In fact, numerous studies throughout the past several decades have shown a link between Dilantin and cerebellar atrophy.

Many patients and parents of patients taking Dilantin are desperate to find a solution for the epilepsy that controls a patient’s life. Dilantin can be very effective in reducing the improper electrical activity linked with epilepsy. However, a number of patients have developed ataxia as a result.

It is unfortunate for some patients that what causes ataxia is what is treating their problematic epilepsy. Many patients will have to try another anticonvulsant medication to hopefully reduce or eliminate symptoms of ataxia, but sometimes, their seizures are not as well controlled with other medications.

What are Symptoms of Ataxia?

As previously mentioned, behaviors linked with alcohol intoxication are seen with ataxia. This includes difficulty walking and an unsteady gait, impaired coordination of the arms legs and torso, uncontrolled eye movements known as nystagmus, slurred speech, dizziness, headaches and personality and behavior changes.

Filing a Dilantin Lawsuit

Upon learning about the possibility that what causes ataxia may be the anticonvulsant medication that is prescribed to you or a loved one, you may be frustrated and angered that you were not properly warned about the risks of Dilantin. You may believe that much of your suffering or that of a loved one could have been avoided.

While it is not possible to change the past, some individuals have stepped up to show product manufacturers that they must take increased steps in their responsibility for patient safety when it comes to prescription drugs. Many individuals harmed by pharmaceuticals have gone on to file product liability lawsuits against the manufacturer in hopes to have them held accountable for their actions.

Plaintiffs who go on to file product liability lawsuits can recover damages related to medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost job earnings and more. Additionally, punitive damages can be sought to punish manufacturers for their alleged wrongdoing and failure to warn of serious side effects.

If you would like to learn more about how you could potentially file a product liability lawsuit, you may qualify for a free case review by a knowledgeable pharmaceutical product liability attorney.