The medical community is wary of the growing association between Dilantin and cerebellar degeneration, after numerous patients reported developing serious brain damage after using the anti epileptic medication. Cerebellar atrophy is the condition described as when the degeneration of the cerebellum, which can be induced by a number of problems.

Dilantin (phenytoin) is a popular anti-epileptic medication, which works by managing the electrical signals of the brain. By slowing down the brain’s electrical signals, the brain does not become overwhelmed and seizures can be prevented.

Even though this medication is supposed to bring balance to the brain, reports of Dilantin and cerebellar degeneration has caused major concern in both the patient population and medical community.

Cerebellar atrophy can be induced through a number of causes, including traumatic incident or degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, and even drug toxicity.

The cerebellum is the part of the brain which communicates voluntary movements from the brain to the body including: posture, balance, coordination, and speech. When cerebellar atrophy occurs the brain tissue deteriorates and loses neurons, which also causes the loss function the neuron connections make.

Symptoms patients should be wary of in the case of Dilantin and cerebellar degeneration include:

• Unsteady Walking Movements
• Slow, Unsteady, or Jerky Arm or Leg Movements
• Slow or Slurred Speech
• Nystagmus (Small Rapid Eye Movements)

While this condition can be generalized or focal, cerebellar atrophy refers to the deterioration and loss of neurons specifically in the cerebellum.

Overview of Dilantin and Cerebellar Degeneration Connection

The association between Dilantin and cerebellar degeneration has been a concern for decades in the medical community. In 1994, a scientific study found that Dilantin patients exhibited significantly smaller cerebelli compared to non-exposed patients.

The study was initially conducted to observe how Dilantin effects the brain when controlling the electrical signals, to which the scientists discovered the alleged side effect. Similar studies yielded similar results, including a study conducted in 2003 when medical researchers had noticed that the more severe cases of cerebral damages occurred in patients with long term Dilantin prescriptions.

In a more recent study in 2013, printed in the online version of the Indian Journal of Pharmacology, researchers observed a case study of a 16 year old Dilantin patient. This patient had been prescribed Dilantin to treat his epilepsy, and had been admitted to the hospital for a viral infection.

According to the study, MRI images showed signs of cerebellar atrophy, after which doctors had taken the patient off of Dilantin and replaced the medication with valporic acid. While there have been reports of cerebral damage reversing if the medication is stopped, patients should never discontinue a medication without medical professional supervision.

Through these studies, the correlation between Dilantin and cerebellar degeneration has become a prominent concern for patients. Dilantin has been a constant seizure relief medication for patients since the 1950s, but has been linked to a number of severe side effects over the years.

Even though the connection between Dilantin and cerebellar degeneration is a serious concern, Pfizer Inc. allegedly failed to disclose this information to patients. Former or current patients who may have suffered Dilantin induced cerebral damage may be eligible for a Dilantin cerebellar atrophy lawsuit.