A popular anti-seizure drug, Dilantin, has been associated with debilitating drug side effects including cerebellar atrophy from long-term exposure. There are other cerebellar atrophy causes, however Dilantin has been the subject of studies that connect it with this type of brain disorder.

The Connection Between Cerebellar Atrophy and Dilantin

Dilantin, generically known as phenytoin, has been around for a long period of time. Phenytoin was in use as early as the 1940s; it was originally developed in 1908. It is one of the most popular anti-seizure drugs in the world.

Now, Dilantin is often used as a second line of defense against seizures, but it is still the go-to drug for emergency seizure situations.

Even though it is quite successful, Dilantin has been associated with a debilitating brain condition known as cerebellar, or cerebral atrophy. Case studies conclude Dilantin could be among many possible cerebellar atrophy causes. Cerebellar atrophy is a condition in which parts of the brain shrink or experience loss of neurons. Neurons are the cells that transmit nerves impulses.

The cerebellum is the part of the brain that is located in the back of the skull. It helps the body regulate speech and muscular activity. If this part of the brain experiences atrophy due to Dilantin or other cerebellar atrophy causes, the patient is greatly affected.

The symptoms of cerebellar atrophy are varied. Because this part of the brain controls voluntary movements including balance, posture, speech and body coordination, when it is damaged, those functions of the body are affected. The cerebellum, divided into two hemispheres, helps the body maintain smooth movement.

If the cerebellum is damaged due to Dilantin or other cerebellar atrophy causes, the patient can experience tremors, unsteady walking, rapid eye movements, lack of balance and slowed or slurred speech. Often cerebellar atrophy mimics the symptoms of a stroke.

One study has shown that the risk of cerebellar atrophy rises when a patient is exposed to phenytoin over long periods of time and in high doses. If phenytoin treatment is ceased, sometimes brain function can return in the affected part of the brain.

Other Cerebellar Atrophy Causes

Dilantin is not the only cause of cerebellar atrophy. Other cerebellar atrophy causes include diseases like multiple sclerosis and aging.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, cerebellar atrophy causes include the following:

• Chronic alcohol abuse (causes permanent cell damage)
• Acute and hemorrhagic stroke (“results in a lack of blood flow or oxygen to the brain, leading to the death of neurons in the cerebellum”)
• Multiple sclerosis (insulating cellular membranes are damaged)
• Gene mutations that cause conditions such as spinocerebellar ataxias or other ataxias
• Degenerative disorders such as cerebellar cortical atrophy, multisystem atrophy and olivopontocerebellar degeneration (inflammation of the brain caused by certain proteins)
• Paraneoplastic neurologic disorders (the body’s response to certain types of cancers)

Cerebellar atrophy associated with paraneoplastic neurologic disorders, alcohol or Dilantin can possibly be reversed.

If you believe you may has suffered cerebellar atrophy due to Dilantin, you may be able to file a cerebellar atrophy cause lawsuit. Discussing your options with an experienced attorney can help you decide if filing a cerebellar atrophy lawsuit is the right step for you.