The epilepsy medication Dilantin has, unfortunately, been linked with a number of serious Dilantin neurological side effects. Some patients—especially those who have been exposed to Dilantin for longer periods of time or at higher dosages—may be at risk of developing the dangerous brain condition known as cerebellar atrophy, leading to problems with movement, coordination, and speech.

Background of Dilantin

Dilantin (also known by its generic name, phenytoin) is a well-known anticonvulsant medication used to treat epilepsy. Dilantin and other phenytoin drugs work to stop seizures in their early stages. How does this work? During an epileptic seizure, the brain’s neurons are firing much more rapidly than normal, which sparks convulsions or rapid, uncontrollable movements. Dilantin works to stop seizures by targeting these neurons, slowing down that rapid firing and controlling the seizure’s effects.

Unfortunately, despite the popularity of the drug as an anticonvulsant, it has also been linked with some substantial Dilantin neurological side effects—and patients may not be aware that some of these are a risk.

Dilantin Neurological Side Effects

Dilantin neurological side effects may be significant, and worse still, they may be long-lasting or even permanent. Cerebellar atrophy is one of the most severe Dilantin neurological side effects.

Essentially, cerebellar atrophy (or atrophy of the brain) is a brain condition affecting the cerebellum, the part of the brain located under the cerebrum and behind the brain stem. The cerebellum is responsible for a great deal of basic body movement, including coordination, speech, posture, and balance.

Cerebellar atrophy occurs when brain tissue degenerates, losing neurons. The loss of some of these neurons means that the connections between the neurons will also be lost, which can have a significant effect on basic body movements. Over time, degeneration of the cerebellum can cause severe and irreversible damage, causing unstable eye movement, tremors, imbalance issues, and lack of control over body movements.

In a study published in the Seizure European Journal of Epilepsy, researchers found that long-term use of Dilantin, especially at a higher dosage, makes patients more likely to develop serious Dilantin neurological side effects like cerebellar atrophy than patients who take regular levels of Dilantin for a short period of time. Of course, even for patients who have taken Dilantin for a short period of time at a normal dose, cerebellar atrophy is still a risk.

While these Dilantin neurological side effects are not directly life-threatening, they can make basic daily tasks difficult, unsteady, or even impossible. For some, cerebellar atrophy treatment may be as simple as stopping Dilantin intake (though withdrawal should be overseen by their doctor). For others, this may be impossible, and Dilantin complications like cerebellar atrophy can become permanent.

Filing a Lawsuit Over Dilantin Neurological Side Effects

While filing a Dilantin lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by cerebellar atrophy or other Dilantin neurological side effects, it can help to compensate for financial expenses incurred by medical bills and even lost wages. If you or someone you love has experienced cerebellar atrophy, there may be a link, and you may be able to file a lawsuit.