Research into a side effect of Dilantin medication says that cerebellar atrophy treatment may help but not cure the condition.

Dilantin is a prescription drug is an anti-epileptic drug used to treat seizures and epilepsy. Its generic name is phenytoin. It is one of the most common anti-seizure drugs used.

Unfortunately, research dating back to 2003 has linked Dilantin to cerebellar atrophy. Cerebellar atrophy is a condition in which the tissues in the cerebellum or movement center of the brain loses neurons and neural connections. This inhibits the cerebellum’s ability to function normally and can cause a sufferer to lose motor control. This can necessitate Dilantin cerebellar atrophy treatment. 

Cerebellar atrophy can be caused by a range of factors, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, seizures, tumors, and other disorders affecting the cerebellum. It can also be caused by excessive exposure to toxins like alcohol, or toxins present in drugs, as may be the case in cerebellar atrophy from Dilantin medication.

Cerebellar Atrophy Symptoms

Cerebellar atrophy damages the part of the brain that controls voluntary movement, and can cause a range of symptoms. The cerebellum regulates balance, posture, coordination, motor control, and speech.

A person suffering from cerebellar atrophy may exhibit the following symptoms:

• Unsteady, lurching walk, often accompanied by a back and forth tremor in their torso
• Slow, unsteady, or jerking movements in their limbs
• Slow or slurred speech
• Nystagmus: small, rapid, and uncontrollable eye movements
• Memory loss

Research suggests that patients who have taken Dilantin for a long time have the highest risk of developing cerebellar atrophy from the drug. A study published in 2003 suggests that long term use of Dilantin can result in moderate and even severe cerebellar degeneration.

This side effect is especially important for Dilantin users to know about. The very seizures that Dilantin aims to treat can also cause cerebellar atrophy–so the drug that many patients turn to for relief from seizure symptoms can sometimes cause the same symptoms. A 1994 study was the first to draw the link between Dilantin medication and cerebellar atrophy.

Cerebellar Atrophy Treatment

Sadly, while symptoms may improve after discontinuing Dilantin treatment, cerebellar atrophy typically can’t be cured. However, in some cases, the condition can be treated and the advancement of the atrophy can be slowed or stopped.

Early treatment increases the odds of success. Research has found that in some cerebellar atrophy cases, regimens including high doses of vitamin E and gluten-free diets can be combined with some prescription drugs to treat the condition.

Allegedly, vitamin E can slow the progression of cerebellar atrophy and can improve neurological function. Researchers do warn that even with vitamin E treatment, recovery is commonly “slow and incomplete,” meaning that full healing from cerebellar atrophy may not be possible.

Dilantin Medication Cerebellar Atrophy Lawsuit Investigation

Unfortunately, many patients have taken Dilantin without realizing that the drug can cause serious side effects like cerebellar atrophy. It is possible that the makers of the drug knew that it was dangerous, but intentionally misled consumers and the medical community into believing that the drug was safe and effective.

If you took Dilantin and suffered from cerebellar atrophy, you may have a legal claim. An experienced lawyer can help you determine if you could join a cerebellar atrophy lawsuit investigation, and possibly receive compensation for the injury you suffered from taking Dilantin.