Dilantin (phenytoin) is one of America’s most trusted anti-epileptic drugs, treating various seizure conditions since the 1950s. Approved by the FDA in 1953, it has since become one of Pfizer’s most popularly prescribed medications.

However Dilantin and other phenytoin based medications have been recently linked to a number of severe side effects, including cerebellar atrophy.

Also known as brain atrophy, cerebellar atrophy is when the cerebellum in the brain begins to deteriorate.

This causes the cerebellum to lose neurons and is unable to process the connections between those neurons, severely disabling the brain’s cerebral processing.

The cerebellar atrophy definition can also be categorized as either focal, only affecting on part of the brain, while the generalized variation can affect the entire functionality of the brain.

For focal cerebellar atrophy, the cerebellum is primarily impacted and causes irregular movement and speech patterns.

Often cerebellar atrophy symptoms include slurred speech and involuntary jerking movements in the legs, as well as other changes in posture and coordination.

At this point in time, experts are unsure as to what exactly causes cerebellar atrophy but traumatic injury or Alzheimer’s have been linked to brain atrophy. Cerebellar atrophy can also be caused by brain toxicity from different treatment drugs, including Dilantin.

Overview of Dilantin Cerebellar Atrophy

Recent studies have suggested that long term exposure to Dilantin or other phenytoin based medications, may induce cerebellar atrophy.

One of these inquiries was conducted in 2004 to observe the correlation between long term phenytoin exposure and cerebellar atrophy.

Subjects were observed for over two months, undergoing MRI scans to monitor brain activity. Patients who had taken Dilantin or other phenytoin products began exhibiting cerebellar atrophy symptoms, with image testing illustrating potential brain toxicity.

This possible correlation was first noted in 1994, when a study was conducted to observe how phenytoin may be affecting patients.

The study found that patients taking phenytoin had significantly smaller cerebelli compared to the control group, none of which were prescribed phenytoin medications.

Dilantin patients who believe they are experiencing cerebellar atrophy should consult their physician as soon as possible for early diagnosis. Cerebellar atrophy symptoms may be permanent fixtures to the patient’s life, as this condition is not reversible.

Treatments for cerebellar atrophy often revolve around physical therapy to help resolve the awkward movements, while medications and nutritional supplements may be dispensed to help reduce the damage of the brain.

Individual cases vary in severity and treatment, but the patient will never fully be cured.

Phenytoin patients who may be suffering from cerebellar atrophy may be able to file legal action against Pfizer Inc. or generic drug manufacturers. Potential claimants should contact a specialized lawyer to determine eligibility for a Dilantin lawsuit.