Dilantin adverse side effects may be linked to cerebellar atrophy, which can cause permanent movement and speech problems in patients. This condition has been associated with Dilantin adverse side effects since the early 1990s, when a study found that phenytoin patients had significantly smaller cerebella.

A class action lawsuit investigation has been launched to evaluate claims alleging patients developed cerebellar atrophy from Dilantin adverse side effects. Dilantin (phenytoin) is one of America’s oldest and most reliable antiepileptic medications, having been on the market since the 1950s.

Manufactured by Pfizer, Dilantin has been prescribed to millions of patients over the years for various epileptic conditions. Dilantin works by slowing down the electrical signals in the brain, preventing the brain from getting overwhelmed and stopping a seizure from triggering.

However, this medication has been linked to a number of serious side effects over the years, with cerebellar atrophy being one of the most recently studied. The first study to observe this correlation was conducted in 1994, which was initially conducted to observe how Dilantin’s treatment mechanism effected the brain during seizures.

Researchers noticed Dilantin patients had significantly smaller cerebella compared to non-exposed patients, which spurred similar studies over the years. Furthermore, a study in 2003 found moderate to severe cerebellar atrophy could be found more often in patients with long term Dilantin prescriptions.

One of the most recent inquiries was conducted on ehealthme, which collected injury reports from the FDA and other social media sources. The results of the study were consolidated on Dec. 7, 2017, which found that four (0.07%) patients had developed cerebellar atrophy out of 5,738 patients who reported Dilantin adverse side effects.

Other studies have found similar results, with higher chances of cerebellar atrophy development being linked to long-term phenytoin exposure. Studies have also found children may also be at risk of cerebellar atrophy due to Dilantin adverse side effects.

Overview of Dilantin Cerebellar Atrophy

While reactions to Dilantin adverse side effects are not the only cause of cerebellar atrophy, patients should still be wary of the potential correlation. Cerebellar atrophy is focal atrophy of the brain, in which the cerebellum becomes damaged or deteriorates from traumatic injury, drug toxicity, or degenerative disease.

The cerebellum is primarily responsible for regulating voluntary movements like walking and talking, which means the patient loses these abilities as the cerebellum loses vital neurological connections. The symptoms of cerebellar atrophy are similar to those of a stroke victim including, but not limited to:

• Unsteady or Lurching Walk
• Slow, Unsteady, or Jerky Movements in Arms or Legs
• Slow or Slurred Speech
• Nystagmus (small rapid eye movements)
• Memory Loss

Patients who start experiencing these symptoms or other Dilantin adverse side effects should report to their physician as soon as possible, to ensure the most treatment options. While there have been reported cases of complete recovery, patients can typically expect different drug therapy or physical therapy options.

Patients who develop cerebellar atrophy and other Dilantin adverse side effects may be eligible to join the ongoing class action investigation or file their own claim.