Cerebral atrophy is a condition that causes loss of cells in brain tissue. The resulting loss leads to shrinkage of the brain.

In addition to losing the neurons, or brain cells themselves, the connections between the neurons are also lost, affecting brain function.

A theorized cerebral atrophy cause is use of Dilantin, a drug that alters brain activity.

Cerebral atrophy can be generalized and can affect the whole brain, or it could be focal or localized. In focal cerebral atrophy, a specific structure in the brain is targeted, and function related to that particular structure is compromised.

Cerebral Atrophy Cause May Include Dilantin

Dilantin, generically known as phenytoin, is an antiepileptic drug that is used to control seizures in patients, but it is used off label as well to treat a variety of other conditions.

Some additional conditions treated with Dilantin include obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD, motion sickness, anxiety, depression, Tourette’s syndrome, bipolar disorder, aggressive behavior and more.

While Dilantin appears to be very effective in treating epilepsy and a number of other disorders, it has also been determined as a potential cerebral atrophy cause.

Specifically, Dilantin has been linked with a focal cerebral atrophy cause called cerebellar atrophy. Cerebellar atrophy causes degeneration in the part of the brain called the cerebellum.

The cerebellum is responsible for the coordination of movement and helps the body to maintain a sense of balance. The effects of a drug on the cerebellum can be likened to those seen with alcohol intoxication, as alcohol directly affects the cerebellum.

Symptoms identified as linked to Dilantin’s focal cerebral atrophy include:

• Jerky movements of the arms and legs which are slow and unsteady
• Tripping, falling, and steadiness or staggering when walking
• Difficulty standing upright
• Unsteady gait
• Difficulty with fine motor skills and coordination
• Speech that is slow or slurred
• Nystagmus, or rapid eye movement back and forth that is uncontrolled
• Fatigue caused by performing regular activities (individual says they must “concentrate on” their movements rather than having them come naturally)
• Mood and cognitive difficulties

Currently, there is no treatment specified to treat cerebellar atrophy that results from Dilantin use. If Dilantin is determined to be the cause of the focal cerebral atrophy, the drug should immediately be stopped.

Sometimes, the mere stopping of the drug helps the patient’s behavior returned to baseline. Other times, the cerebellar atrophy effects are longer-lasting and require additional supportive measures.

Supportive measures for cerebellar atrophy treatment include nutritional supplementation, psychotherapy, vestibular or balance-focused physical therapy and lifestyle changes may support a return to normal functioning.

Filing a Dilantin Lawsuit

If you suspect your cerebral atrophy cause was due to Dilantin use, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the drug’s manufacturer.

Patients who have gone on to file lawsuits against drug manufacturers often allege that the manufacturer did not do enough to adequately warn patients and physicians about the extreme side effects that may be experienced as a result of taking the drug.

A Dilantin attorney is available to review your case at no charge and can help you decide which legal options are available you.