Dilantin, a popular anti-seizure medication, has been widely used for years, however, some patients are coming to terms with a cerebellar atrophy diagnosis in connection with their use of the medication.

Dilantin, generically known as phenytoin, is a drug that is used for epilepsy patients and also off-label to treat depression and other similar disorders.

It is one of the most widely used medications in the world and it has been in use for over one hundred years, mostly to treat both generalized and partial tonic clonic seizures and complex partial seizures. Surgeons sometimes use Dilantin during neurosurgery to prevent seizures in patients.

However, some medical research shows that the drug may accumulate in the cerebral cortex over time. This can build to toxic levels that can trigger a brain condition that cannot be reversed.

Cerebral atrophy can be diagnosed as generalized. This means the entire brain has shrunk. If it is focused in a certain part of the brain, the cerebellum, it will decrease the functions of that part of the brain and the patient will receive a cerebellar atrophy diagnosis.

The cerebellum sits underneath the cerebrum just behind the brain stem. It is the part of the brain that controls voluntary movements like posture, speech, balance and coordination. Cerebellar atrophy is defined as a degeneration of the cerebellum, which is a shrinking of a certain part of the brain.

Along with a cerebellar atrophy diagnosis comes certain symptoms. A common cerebellar atrophy symptom is an unsteady, unbalanced walk. This can be accompanied by body tremors that make it difficult to move or walk.

Additionally, a cerebellar atrophy diagnosis can lead to similar tremors in the arms and legs as well as slurred speech. A condition called nystagmus, which is uncontrollable small, rapid eye movements, can also accompany a cerebellar atrophy diagnosis.

Sometimes patients will experience memory and cognitive symptoms including memory loss and speech problems. With cerebellar atrophy, speech can become disjointed, impaired or incoherent. At times, patients may even have trouble understanding language.

Dilantin use, it has been found, increases the risk of a cerebellar atrophy diagnosis if it is used over a long period of time. If the drug dosage levels are above a certain range long term, cerebellar atrophy has been reported.

In 2008, Dilantin was put on the FDA’s Potential Signals of Serious Risks List so that the medication could be further evaluated for safety.

If you or someone you love has experienced a cerebellar atrophy diagnosis and has been taking Dilantin, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. A Dilantin attorney is ready to discuss your options with you.