Several medical studies have shown that long-term use of the drug Dilantin may be associated with the increased risk of developing cerebellar ataxia, a condition affecting the area of the brain known as the cerebellum.

The cerebellum is in the back of the skull atop the spinal cord. It is the part of the brain that is responsible for balance and coordination. Moreover, the cerebellum is the part of the brain that is responsible for controlling both larger and finer movements.

Cerebellar ataxia may occur when the cerebellum becomes either damaged or inflamed, as is the case with Dilantin cerebellar ataxia.

Ataxia refers to a neurological sign composed of an absence of coordinated muscle movement which also includes gait abnormality. Since ataxia refers to a non-specific clinical impairment entailing nervous system dysfunction in parts that coordinate movement, cerebellum ataxia refers to a specifically cerebellar dysfunction.

Medical reports state that people suffering from cerebellar ataxia have a loss of coordination. They may also have trouble performing daily tasks.

Dilantin Cerebellar Ataxia Information

Medical studies have shown that long-term use of Dilantin, the anticonvulsant drug used to treat and prevent seizures, has been linked to an increased risk of developing cerebellar ataxia.

Dilantin, whose generic name is phenytoin, is used and prescribed as an antiepileptic drug.  It is purportedly the “go-to” treatment used to control and prevent kinds of seizures that start either during or right after surgery targeting the brain or nervous system. Dilantin is prescribed to also control partial seizures and tonic-clonic seizures.

The prescription drug is part of a class of drugs known as anticonvulsants, the class of drugs known to slow the rate in which neurons transmit their signals in the brain which can then prevent the formation of seizures.

Symptoms of Dilantin cerebellar ataxia include the following: impaired coordination in the arms, torso, and legs; an unsteady gait; frequent stumbling; vocal changes; slurred speech; headaches; dizziness; behavioral or personality changes; uncontrolled or repetitive eye movements; and trouble eating and performing other fine motor tasks.

Treatment of cerebellar ataxia will vary and will depend on the specific case. According to reports, treatment of cerebellar ataxia includes surgery, if the condition is the result of bleeding in the cerebellum. Additionally, antibiotics may be prescribed if an infection has occurred, and medications are further prescribed that can directly treat the inflammation of the cerebellum.

Dilantin Cerebellar Ataxia Lawsuit Information

Some evidence suggests that those who have taken Dilantin long-term to treat seizure disorders have an increased likelihood of developing and suffering from cerebellar ataxia. If you or a loved one have suffered from Dilantin cerebellar ataxia, you may benefit from consulting an experienced Dilantin attorney to discuss legal routes and options that may be taken.