According to a growing number of Dilantin studies, the anti-epileptic drug has been linked with serious cerebellar ataxia symptoms.

Many people take Dilantin to treat epileptic seizures.

If you or someone you love is taking Dilantin, especially in the long term, you should be aware of the potential for serious complications, as well as the cerebellar ataxia symptoms linked with long term exposure to the drug.

What is Dilantin?

Dilantin is a widely popular drug used to treat epileptic seizures during their early stages.

Dilantin, known as phenytoin in its generic form, is one of the most common anticonvulsants currently available.

When a patient suffers from an epileptic seizure, their brain cell neurons are firing off much more rapidly than usual.

Dilantin works to prevent seizures in their early stages, stopping brain cells from firing off these neurons so rapidly in the first place. This helps to control seizures before they even start.

Because of its popularity, people may believe that Dilantin is safer than other drugs. However, recent reports that suggest Dilantin may be connected with cerebellar ataxia have given many patients cause for concern.

What are Cerebellar Ataxia Symptoms?

Cerebellar ataxia is a condition which affects the cerebellum. The cerebellum is located at the back of the skull, and is responsible for regulating a person’s sensory abilities, as well as voluntary movement, balance, and speech.

This means that when conditions affect or compromise the cerebellum, a person may have difficulty with balance, steadiness, and eye movements.

Cerebellar ataxia targets the cerebellum, causing this section of the brain to degenerate and compromising a person’s voluntary movement control.

This can be displayed through cerebellar ataxia symptoms like loss of balance, tremors, unstable eye movements, slurred speech, and jerky movements.

Though cerebellar ataxia is generally reversible, it is also possible to develop permanent cerebellar ataxia—especially for patients who have been exposed to Dilantin long-term.

What Causes Cerebellar Ataxia?

Cerebellar ataxia can be caused by buildup of cerebral toxins, according to medical professionals. This buildup of toxins can come from ethanol, chemotherapy, or even long-term use of phenytoin, the generic name for Dilantin.

For most patients suffering from cerebellar ataxia symptoms, these problems will go away by stopping their Dilantin intake.

For others, however, long-term use of Dilantin may actually make cerebellar ataxia permanent. In these cases, patients may be forced to deal with these symptoms as a permanent part of their daily lives.

Dilantin Lawsuits

These long-term Dilantin side effects can cause great damage, especially if they become permanent.

If you or someone you know has suffered from cerebellar ataxia or a similar issue after taking the anti-seizure medication Dilantin, you may be able to join a phenytoin lawsuit investigation.

While a lawsuit cannot undo cerebral ataxia symptoms, it can help compensate for physical, emotional and financial injuries.