The epilepsy medication Dilantin (phenytoin is the generic form) is an effective anticonvulsant in protecting against the development of focal seizures with complex symptomatology (psychomotor and temporal lobe seizures).

Dilantinis also effective in controlling partial seizures with autonomic symptoms due to its advantage of single daily administration. Its popularity however is in decline, partly because of perception of adverse effects that include cerebellar ataxia.

About Dilantin

Dilantin is an anti seizure medication. It is useful for the prevention of tonic-clonic seizures and partial epilepsy.

Dilantin may accumulate in the cerebral cortex over long periods of time which can cause atrophy of the cerebellum. The degree of cerebellar ataxia is related to the duration of Dilantin treatment and is not related to dosage of the anti-seizure medication.

What is Cerebellar Ataxia?

The cerebellum is the area of the brain responsible for controlling muscle coordination. If it becomes inflamed or damaged, a person may suddenly lose coordination. Damage, degeneration or loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain that controls muscle coordination (cerebellum), results in cerebellar ataxia (unsteadiness).

The cerebellum comprises two ping pong-ball-sized portions of folded tissue situated at the base of the brain near the brainstem. The right side of the cerebellum controls coordination on the right side of the body; the left side of the cerebellum controls coordination on the left.

Diseases that damage the spinal cord and peripheral nerves that connect your cerebellum to the muscles also may cause cerebellar ataxia. Common cerebellar atrophy or ataxia causes include:

• Head trauma
• Stroke
• Cerebral palsy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Chickenpox
• Tumor

Additionally, cerebellar ataxia causes can be triggered by a rare toxic reaction to a specific mediation such as Dilantin

Dilantin Toxicity

Another side effect of long term use of Dilantin is Dilantin toxicity.  While Dilantin toxicity is rarely fatal, it can cause neurologic symptoms ranging from nystagmus to cerebellar ataxia to coma.

Symptoms of Dilantin toxicity include:

• Fast, uncontrollable eye movements or double vision
• Dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion
• Lack of coordination of fingers, hands, arms, legs, or body
• Slurred speech
• Nausea or vomiting
• Decreased appetite, decreased activity, abdominal bloating, or irregular jerky movements in children or the elderly

Treatment Options

There’s no treatment specifically for cerebellar ataxia. In some cases, treating the underlying cause resolves the ataxia. In other cases, such as ataxia causes from chickenpox or other viral infection, it’s likely to resolve on its own over time. Patients may benefit from adaptive devices or physical, occupational or speech therapies to help with cerebellar ataxia symptoms.

If you or a loved one suffered a type of focal cerebral atrophy known as cerebellar ataxia or Dilantin toxicity after long term use of Dilantin, you may be eligible to join a Dilantin lawsuit investigation and pursue compensation for your injuries.