Dilantin (Phenytoin) is one of the most popular antiepileptic drugs to treat seizures, but it has been linked to a variety of a seizure side effects.

One complication associated with Dilantin is cerebellar atrophy, or the breakdown of the brain’s cerebellum.

Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1953, Dilantin has become one of America’s most well-known antiepileptic drugs and one of Pfizer’s most lucrative products.

Unfortunately, a number of studies has shown that long-term use of Dilantin may increase the risk of cerebellar atrophy. This condition greatly effect patients’ everyday life by disrupting the functions of movement, coordination, and speech.

At this point, it is unknown what may be causing patients to develop cerebellar atrophy, but the risk is higher when patients suffer stroke, multiple sclerosis, tumors, seizures, and other cerebellar complications.

Cerebellar damage can also be caused by toxins that enter the brain from ethanol, chemotherapy, and toxins found in phenytoin. As mentioned before, studies show that the risk is most prevalent in long-term use of Dilantin, but it has also been seen in short-term use.

One study published in a 2003 showed that patients who developed cerebellar atrophy had been exposed to heavy amounts of phenytoin.

Cerebellar Atrophy Symptoms

Cerebellar atrophy is the focal point of cerebral atrophy, specifically attacking the cerebellum. This part of the brain sits under the cerebrum, behind the brain stem that helps regulates the body’s voluntary movements.

This is why many cerebellar atrophy symptoms are linked to balance and physical movements, oftentimes being similar to symptoms of stroke. Cerebellar atrophy symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Unsteady walking, often with a back and forth tremor in the gait
• Slow, unsteady, or jerky movements in arms or legs
• Slow or slurred speech
• Small rapid movements in the eyes

Patients who start to experience these cerebellar atrophy symptoms should see their doctors as soon as possible. Friends or family of the patients may see other unusual movements, which should also receive medical attention.

Cerebellar Atrophy Treatment

After patients are diagnosed with cerebellar atrophy, a neurologist typically supervises the treatment process. However, it is important to note that the damage from cerebellar atrophy is not reversible. Despite this, there are a number of options in cerebellar atrophy treatment that vary between individual cases.

Cerebellar atrophy treatment consists of two parts, which revolve around what may be causing the condition and helping the patient adjust to the awkward movements. Medications and nutritional support may be viable to help slow the brain damage, but the condition will never be fully cured.

Physical therapy can also be part of cerebellar atrophy treatment, as it will help patients learn how to adjust to their new physical movements. Patients could also learn new adaptations for their situation, and how to compensate for their body’s condition.

Patients who suffered Dilantin cerebellar atrophy may qualify for a product liability lawsuit against Pfizer, for failing to warn them against the side effects of the drug.