Cerebral atrophy is a condition that affects the brain, causing it to shrink and impairing a person’s function.

Product liability attorneys are currently investigating the manufacturers and marketers of the epilepsy medication, phenytoin, due to its alleged connection to the development of phenytoin cerebral atrophy.

What is Phenytoin Cerebral Atrophy?

Cerebral atrophy is a neurological disease that effects the brain tissues and neurons. The word atrophy is defined as the loss of cells and when the term is applied in relation to the brain it describes the loss of neurons.

There are generally two types of atrophy: generalized and focal. Generalized atrophy affects the entire brain meaning the whole brain has shrunk. Focal cerebral atrophy affects a specific area of the brain and often results in a decreased function of the affected area of the brain.

Cerebellar atrophy is a type of shrinking that affects the brain’s cerebellum. The cerebellum contributes to the body’s coordination, precision and accurate timing.  The cerebellum does not initiate movement but instead helps the body’s fine-tuned motor activity.

Cerebral Atrophy Causes

Medical researchers have discovered several cerebral atrophy causes.  Several diseases can result in the development of cerebral atrophy.  Cerebral atrophy causes include stroke, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease, and other genetic diseases.

Medical researchers also believe that cerebral atrophy symptoms can be caused by long term phenytoin use.  Depending on the underlying cerebral atrophy causes, the disease may progress rapidly or very slowly.

According to a 2003 study, medical researchers discovered that the patients who exhibited moderate to severe cerebellar atrophy were those who had used phenytoin products over longer periods of time, in higher doses.

Cerebral Atrophy Symptoms

Cerebral atrophy symptoms often depend on whether the atrophy is generalized or localized. Cerebral atrophy symptoms affecting the cerebellum include an unsteady, lurching walk, back and forth tremors, slow, jerky movements in the arms and legs, slurred speec and rapid movements in the eyes.  In many cases phenytoin cerebral atrophy appear similar to stroke.

What is Phenytoin?

Phenytoin, also known as Dilantin, is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat epilepsy. The medication works by slowing down the nerve impulses in the brain that cause epileptic seizures.  The phenytoin medication does not work on all types of seizures. A medical professional should be consulted before any adult or child takes this medication.

Phenytoin Cerebral Atrophy Lawsuits

Plaintiffs who bring successful phenytoin lawsuits may receive compensation on for their pain, suffering, and medical expenses.  Lawsuits like these also help hold pharmaceutical companies responsible for their actions.

They serve as a reminder that pharmaceutical manufacturers owe consumers a specific duty of care.  Phenytoin lawsuits will likely allege that the drug manufacturers violated consumer protection laws and failed to warn the medical community and general public about dangerous side effects associated with taking phenytoin.

Plaintiff’s bringing phenytoin lawsuits may have the option of bringing their lawsuit individually or as a member in a class action lawsuit. Each type of lawsuit offers the plaintiff different benefits.  Certain types of cases often lend themselves to a specific type of lawsuit. A legal professional can help plaintiffs make an educated decision.