Dilantin has been prescribed to control seizures in epileptic patients for many years, but long-term use is not without consequences, including Dilantin cerebral atrophy side effect consequences.

Epileptic seizures are caused by the neurons in the brain cells firing off more rapidly than normal.

Dilantin stops the cells from firing off the neurons so rapidly, slowing the electrical impulses that cause seizures.

What is Cerebral Atrophy?

The type of cerebral atrophy linked to long-term Dilantin use is called focal cerebral atrophy because it is concentrated in one area of the brain – the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls coordinated movements and speech.

When neurons deteriorate and die, the resulting condition is called focal cerebral atrophy, also known as cerebellar atrophy.

A study published in the Seizure European Journal of Epilepsy stated the length of time a person takes Dilantin is directly related to that person’s likelihood of developing Dilantin cerebral atrophy side effect symptoms. The drug can even be taken within the normal dose range and still end up causing such problems.

Symptoms of Dilantin Cerebral Atrophy Side Effects

Cerebral atrophy can make everyday tasks more difficult or even impossible. Early cerebral atrophy symptoms can include:

• Uncoordinated movements of the limbs or trunk
• Clumsiness with daily activities
• Difficulty walking (unsteadiness)
• Speech disturbances
• 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

Although even seizures alone 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.

One Woman’s Experience

The medical journal Neurology Asia published a study of a 20-year-old woman who suffered physical and cognitive Dilantin cerebral atrophy side effects.

The woman had a reduced attention span, gave slow responses and spoke with slurred speech. Six months later, she had little control of her body movements and showed signs of psychiatric disorders.

Even though her symptoms began after just two weeks of taking Dilantin, an MRI showed cerebral atrophy in the cerebellum.

Anyone who has been taking the anti-seizure medication and has experienced any Dilantin cerebral atrophy side effectsymptoms should contact a doctor immediately. Possibly by reducing or eliminating Dilantin, this can result in some of the cerebral atrophy symptoms subsiding.

Only a doctor can evaluate your seizure history, Dilantin dosages and current symptoms to determine your prognosis.

If you or a loved one have experienced cerebral atrophy after taking Dilantin even for a short period of time, you could be eligible for compensation. A class action lawsuit could enable you and your family to obtain the assistance you need.