Cerebellar atrophy has been linked with Dilantin long term side effects for over a decade, with several studies and numerous injury reports indicating a correlation.

Dilantin (phenytoin) is a popular antiepileptic medication, which has been on the market for decades and is one of the most popularly prescribed epilepsy treatment drugs. Dilantin works by slowing down the electrical signals in the brain, which helps prevent the onset of seizures.

At least one study has noted that the risk of cerebellar atrophy increases with Dilantin long term side effects, with the results indicating that long term exposure may influence the severity of the condition.

Also known as focal cerebral atrophy, this condition occurs when cerebellar brain tissue degenerates and loses vital neurological connections. The cerebellum is part of the brain under the cerebrum, which is responsible for voluntary movements like speech and movement.

When cerebellar atrophy occurs, patients often experience problems with speech and movement including:

• Unsteady or Lurching Walk
• Slow, Unsteady, or Jerky Movements in Arms or Legs
• Slow or Slurred Speech
• Nystagmus (small rapid eye movements)
• Memory Loss

Overview of Dilantin Cerebellar Atrophy

The alleged correlation between cerebellar atrophy and Dilantin long term side effects was first noted in 1994, which consisted of 36 patients who were prescribed the medication to treat partial epilepsy.

The study was conducted to observe how phenytoin affects the brain while preventing or mitigating seizures, with scientists noting that phenytoin patients had significantly smaller cerebelli compared to the control group.

This study spurred the medical community to conduct further research. One of the studies to point out the increased risk of cerebellar atrophy in conjunction with Dilantin long term side effects was conducted in 2003, in which researchers noted that moderate to severe atrophy was found in larger doses.

However, it has been noted that cerebellar atrophy has developed in patients who have not used Dilantin for a long period of time. Reports of cerebellar atrophy and Dilantin long term side effects continue to be submitted, with ehealthme continually reporting on drug injuries.

One of the most recent reports of Dilantin cerebellar atrophy was published on July 29, 2018, in which 19,259 Dilantin patients ad submitted injury reports. Out of these thousands of people, 13 (.07%) patients had reportedly developed cerebellar atrophy.

It is important to note that damage from cerebellar atrophy can be potentially permanent, so patients should talk to their doctor as soon as possible. Even though cerebellar atrophy and other Dilantin long term side effects can be devastating, Pfizer may have failed to adequately warn patients.

While there are several Dilantin long term side effects patients should be wary of, cerebellar atrophy is one that has been at the subject of a Dilantin lawsuit investigation. Patients who developed cerebellar atrophy may be able to file legal action against the company for negligence and failure to warn.

This investigation is open to patients who may have developed cerebellar atrophy in conjunction with Dilantin long term side effects, and wish to seek compensation from manufacturing company Pfizer Inc.