Epilepsy patients who develop cerebellar atrophy could be suffering from a serious Dilantin side effect.

Dilantin is an anti-epileptic drug used to treat epilepsy and seizures. Its generic name is phenytoin. Research into the drug’s impact on human health has shown that it may cause cerebellar atrophy and degeneration, which is a destruction of the brain tissue in the cerebellum.

The cerebellum is the part of the brain that sits behind the brain stem and controls voluntary movements including speech, posture, balance, and coordination. During cerebellar atrophy, the cerebellum can literally become smaller, or lose neurons and neural connections, which are what the brain uses to send signals to control a body’s movements.

Cerebellar atrophy is a serious condition, because a person’s ability to control their voluntary movements is an essential part of daily life. When a person experiences symptoms of cerebellar atrophy, they can have difficulty walking, moving, and speaking. These symptoms can appear as if the person is constantly unsteady, and often look similar to symptoms of a stroke.

Symptoms of cerebellar atrophy, that may be a Dilantin side effect include:

• Unsteady, lurching walk, which can include a back and forth tremor in the torso
• Slow, unsteady, or jerking limb movements
• Slow and slurred speech
• Nystagmus: small, rapid eye movements
• Memory loss

Cerebellar atrophy can be caused by a range of occurrences that can damage the cerebellum. These cases include stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, seizures, exposures to toxins including excessive alcohol, chemotherapy, and other disorders related to the cerebellum. Cerebellar atrophy can also be caused by medications that damage the cerebellum, as research suggests is the case with Dilantin use.

Reportedly, moderate to severe atrophy of the cerebellum has been linked to the long-term use of Dilantin. The link was reportedly seen in adults as well as in children who use Dilantin to manage epilepsy and seizure.

Happily, recovery from cerebellar atrophy is sometimes possible when a patient stops taking Dilantin. Doctors should always monitor when a patient stops taking Dilantin. However, in some cases, Dilantin use has led to chronic cerebellar atrophy or degeneration, a condition that cannot be reversed. This is more common in patients who have taken Dilantin for a long period of time.

Many patients who have cerebellar atrophy may believe that it is caused by one of a range of factors. However, some patients may not know that their side effect is a Dilantin side effect. If you or a loved one took Dilantin and experienced cerebellar atrophy, contacting an experienced Dilantin lawyer can help you determine if your cerebellar atrophy is linked to Dilantin use.

If your cerebellar atrophy is linked to Dilantin use, you may have a legal claim. Filing a Dilantin side effects lawsuit could help you receive compensation for your injury, and could help you cover the costs of missed work due to injury, medical bills, and other expenses.