Dilantin is a prescription medication that epileptic patients often take to control seizures. When the drug interrupts the neurons in the brain, it slows the electrical impulses that cause seizures.

However, Dilantin has also allegedly been linked to a deterioration of the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination.

The cerebellum is located above and behind the brainstem. Damage to it is sometimes known as cerebellar atrophy.

What is Cerebellar Atrophy?

Cerebellar atrophy is the process of degeneration of the neurons in the cerebellum. When these neurons deteriorate and die, the resulting condition is called cerebellar atrophy.

Because Dilantin’s purpose is to interrupt the brain’s neurons to control seizures, the possibility of a negative result of this primary function of the drug is not surprising.

What Are Cerebellar Atrophy Symptoms?

Cerebellar atrophy can cause a swaying or stumbling walk, much like that of an intoxicated person. Sometimes, a person with cerebellar atrophy cannot even be steady enough to sit on the edge of a bed because of an uncontrollable bobbing motion of the trunk or head. Cerebellar atrophy symptoms can include slow but jerking movements of the arms or legs.

Early cerebellar atrophy symptoms can include:

• Uncoordinated movements of the limbs or trunk
• Clumsiness with daily activities
• Difficulty walking (unsteadiness)
• Speech disturbances such as changes in tone, pitch, and volume
• Visual complaints
• Abnormal eye movements

Accompanying symptoms may include:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Changes in mental state (such as personality or behavioral changes)
• Chaotic eye movements
• Clumsy speech pattern

Dilantin Considered a Toxin

Strokes, multiple sclerosis, tumors, cysts and toxins can cause cerebellar atrophy. Studies have also shown that Dilantin can be a toxin to the cerebellum.

Although seizures can cause brain atrophy, a 1994 study allowed for this fact when observing patients who took Dilantin and those who did not. The cerebelli of those treated with Dilantin were much smaller than that portion of the brain in non-treated patients.

The incidence and severity of cerebellar atrophy appeared to be related to the doses of Dilantin ingested.

Cerebellar Atrophy Prognosis

While cerebellar atrophy is rare, it is a serious condition that is possibly reversible. However, sometimes the damage is permanent.

Anyone who has been taking Dilantin and has experienced any of the side effects listed above should contact a doctor immediately. Sometimes the reduction or elimination of Dilantin can ultimately result in some of the cerebral atrophy symptoms subsiding. A doctor can evaluate your seizure history, Dilantin dosages and current symptoms to determine your cerebellar atrophy prognosis.

If you or a loved one have experienced cerebellar atrophy after taking Dilantin even for a short period of time, you could be eligible for compensation for your suffering, hospitalization, missed work hours and other results of the debilitation. A class action lawsuit could enable you and your family to obtain the assistance you need.