The results of more and more research studies continue to indicate that using Dilantin (phenytoin) on a long-term basis is associated with an increased risk of developing a degenerative brain condition known as cerebellar atrophy. Dilantin induced cerebellar atrophy may be permanent and may cause a wide range of issues in the affected individual.

Cerebellar atrophy refers to the degradation and shrinkage of the cerebellum, a part of the brain that is responsible for coordinating balance and movement. The cerebellum also happens to be the part of the brain that is targeted when individuals consume alcohol in excess. The symptoms of alcohol toxicity and cerebellar atrophy have a great deal of overlap.

The symptoms of Dilantin induced cerebellar atrophy include:

• Unsteady gait
• Difficulty with speech or slow/slurred speech
• Movements of the arms or legs that are unsteady, slow or jerking
• Lurching walk
• Tremors
• Nystagmus (small and rapid involuntary movements of the eyes)
• Poor control of muscles
• Difficulty swallowing

Sometimes, symptoms of Dilantin induced cerebellar atrophy may also include weakness on one side of the body and an inability to properly coordinate fine motor skills using the hands.

It is generally believed that there are three stages of Dilantin induced cerebellar atrophy. In the first stage, patients may become dizzy while walking. They may not be able to properly coordinate movements, like walking up stairs. Their movements may become inflexible, they could have difficulty moving their eyes, and they may have a hard time judging distance.

In the second stage of Dilantin induced cerebellar atrophy, the symptoms progress to where the body is unable to control posture and gait. Speech becomes slurred, writing becomes difficult and coordination is impaired. The limbs and muscles of the body may experience an overwhelming feeling of heaviness.

In the last stage, an individual’s intelligence begins to show signs of impairment. Speech becomes increasingly unclear or may be lost altogether. Written words may not be understood by others or the ability to write altogether may be affected. Individuals experience increasing difficulty with swallowing, and may no longer be able coordinate movements to stand or sit any longer.

Cerebellar atrophy is not just a condition that is brought on by the use of the epileptic drug Dilantin. It can also occur on its own as part of a neurological disease due to another origin, such as multiple sclerosis, strokes or other brain injuries.

However, many cases are in fact linked to the use of Dilantin. This drug was initially approved by the FDA in the 1950s to treat abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Not only is it used to treat epilepsy, its use has spread to other areas of treatment, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, Tourette’s syndrome and other conditions typically related with mental health.

Cerebellar atrophy has no cure, but if it is found that Dilantin is potentially causing the condition, then stopping the medication may slow the condition’s progress or even cause it to reverse.

If you or a loved one has developed cerebellar atrophy after having taken Dilantin, you may be eligible to seek legal compensation for your damages. A Dilantin lawsuit may help to recover damages related to physical pain and suffering, emotional anguish, economic loss, medical expenses and more.

An experienced attorney can review your case for free during a no-obligation consultation where you can better understand your legal rights and options.