Those patients who have developed certain neurological disorders after taking a popular anti-seizure drug may be able to file a Dilantin cerebellar atrophy lawsuit.

Many believe that the makers of Dilantin should be held accountable for severe and life-altering side effects that may occur as a result of taking the anti-seizure medication. A Dilantin cerebellar atrophy lawsuit is one way to hold Pfizer liable for conditions such as cerebellar atrophy.

What is Dilantin?

Dilantin, generically known as phenytoin, has been a drug used to treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders for many decades. It works by decreasing the amount of abnormal electrical brain activity. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved phenytoin for use in 1953.

However, research studies have found that long-term use of Dilantin increases phenytoin toxicity in the brain. Long-term Dilantin use can lead to a condtion known as cerebellar atrophy.

What is Cerebellar Atrophy?

Dilantin, and especially long term Dilantin use, has been associated with a condition known as cerebellar atrophy, a shrinking of a part of the brain known as the cerebellum.

The brain is made up of billions of neurons, or specialized cells that transmit information to other cells. Some neurons are lost over an individual’s lifetime due to aging and other factors. But it has been found that Dilantin use can induce the reduction of neurons in certain parts of the brain resulting in atrophy.

Cerebral atrophy is the generalized atrophy, or shrinking, of the brain. Cerebellar atrophy is focalized on one part of the brain, the cerebellum. The cerebellum sits at the back of the skull and regulates functions such as movement, speech, coordination and balance.

When this area of the brain experiences atrophy, it can affect a person’s ability to move and function normally, as well as affect their speech. Often, these symptoms mimic that of a stroke.

When someone is diagnosed with cerebellar atrophy, they often experience trouble speaking or swallowing, unsteady walking and the inability to control their muscles well. Fine motor skills are also affected.

The three stages of cerebellar atrophy are the initial stage. This is accompanied by difficulty moving the eyes and judging distance, dizziness and inflexibility. The middle stage of cerebellar atrophy brings with it slurring speech, difficulty writing, and inability to control walking and posture.

In the advanced stage of cerebellar atrophy, patients experience impaired intelligence, loss of speech and many other serious symptoms.

Filing a Dilantin Cerebellar Atrophy Lawsuit

If you have experienced cerebellar atrophy symptoms and have been taking Dilantin, you may be eligible to file a Dilantin cerebellar atrophy lawsuit against the drug makers.

Filing a Dilantin cerebellar atrophy lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering experienced by those who have suffered side effects, but monetary compensation may help to alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses and lost wages.

An experienced attorney can discuss with you whether filing a Dilantin cerebellar atrophy lawsuit is the right choice for you.