Dilantin is one of the first line antiepileptic medications prescribed for many seizure disorders including epilepsy.

But recent scientific medical evidence suggests a direct correlation between long term Dilantin use and a rare brain condition known as cerebral atrophy, which may require intense physical therapy to lessen the severity of symptoms.

What is Dilantin?

Dilantin is an anti seizure medication useful for the prevention of tonic-clonic seizures and partial epilepsm.

Dilantin may accumulate in the cerebral cortex over long periods of time which can cause cerebral atrophy. The degree of cerebral atrophy is related to the duration of Dilantin treatment and is not related to dosage of the anti-seizure medication.

Cerebral Atrophy Symptoms

Cerebral atrophy is a degeneration of the cerebellum, a section of the brain responsible for balance, voluntary muscle movements, and posture. People with damage to the cerebellum can experience symptoms like unsteady gait, poor muscle control, and trouble speaking or swallowing.

Other cerebral atrophy symptoms include:

• Impaired coordination in the trunk or arms and legs
• Frequent stumbling
• Unsteady gait
• Uncontrolled or repetitive eye movements
• Trouble eating and performing other fine-motor tasks
• Slurred speech
• Vocal changes in tone, volume, and pitch
• Headaches
• Behavioral or personality changes
• Dizziness

Depending on the underlying cause, cerebral atrophy may progress very slowly or very rapidly. Patients may experience cerebral atrophy symptoms daily or just once in a while.

Case Study: Cerebral Atrophy Treatment

There is no cure for cerebral atrophy. Once brain cells have been lost, the damage is permanent. Treatment for cerebral atrophy focuses on treating the symptoms and complications of the atrophy.

Once case study details the intense physical therapy regimen patient had to endure to treat her cerebral atrophy symptoms

According to the report, the 65-year old female patient developed cerebral atrophy due to prolonged use of Dilantin to treat her seizures.  Her main issue was that while her dosage of Dilantin was reduced, she was not able to stabilize her balance.

“Prior to experiencing changes in her balance the patient was independent with household and community walking, negotiating stairs, and performing household chores. She is now experiencing moderate difficulty with all activities. She has to sit on a bench while showering, is unable to walk her dogs, has to support herself to bend over and feed her dogs, and uses a handrail to negotiate stairs. She has no confidence in her balance.”

The patient was prescribed progressive balance therapy in order to retrain her brain and strengthen her mobility and neurological functions and has reportedly responded well to the cerebral atrophy treatment.

Dilantin Lawsuits

If you have suffered from cerebral atrophy symptoms requiring intensive treatment that you believe are associated with the use of Dilantin an experienced attorney can discuss your legal options.

You may have grounds to file a Dilantin lawsuit against Pfizer in order to seek financial compensation for your injuries, treatment and medical expenses associated with Dilantin, and the pain and suffering endured by you and your family.