Epileptic patients often take Dilantin to control seizures, but the drug may be linked to spinocerebellar ataxia.

Patients may develop this condition due to deterioration of the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination.

When patients experience a loss of muscle control in their arms and legs, they lose their sense of balance and coordination.

What is Spinocerebellar Ataxia?

Spinocerebellar ataxia describes the changes that have taken place in a person’s nervous system.

Cerebellar atrophy is the process of degeneration of the neurons in the cerebellum. When these neurons deteriorate and die, the resulting condition is called cerebellar atrophy.

A symptom of cerebellar atrophy is ataxia, the loss of muscle control and coordination that leads to a person walking with jerky movements, sometimes resembling the walk of an intoxicated person.

Ataxia Symptoms

Cerebellar ataxia can cause a swaying or stumbling walk. Sometimes, an affected person cannot sit on the edge of a bed without falling because of an uncontrollable bobbing motion of the trunk or head.

Early cerebellar ataxia symptoms can include:

• Uncoordinated movements of the limbs or trunk
• Clumsiness with daily activities
• Difficulty walking (unsteadiness)
• Speech disturbances such as changes in tone, pitch, and volume
• Visual complaints
• Abnormal eye movements

Ataxia and Dilantin

Even though seizures themselves can cause brain atrophy, a 1994 study allowed for this fact when observing patients who took Dilantin and those who did not.

The cerebella of those treated with Dilantin were much smaller than that portion of the brain in non-treated patients. When this part of the brain dies, ataxia can result.

The incidence and severity of cerebellar atrophy appeared to be related to the doses of Dilantin ingested.

Ataxia Prognosis

While spinocerebellar ataxia is rare, it can be a permanent condition. In addition to Dilantin, other factors that may lead to ataxia include stroke, multiple sclerosis, alcoholism, peripheral neuropathy, metabolic disorders and vitamin deficiencies.

Anyone who has been taking Dilantin and has experienced any of the side effects listed above should contact a doctor immediately.

Sometimes the reduction or elimination of Dilantin can ultimately result in some of the ataxia subsiding.

A doctor can evaluate your seizure history, Dilantin dosages and current symptoms to determine how to proceed.

Physical therapy can help strengthen muscles and special medical devices can assist with walking and other daily activities.

If you or a loved one have experienced spinocerebellar ataxia after taking Dilantin, you could be eligible for compensation for your suffering, hospitalization, missed work hours and other results of the debilitation.

A Dilantin lawsuit could enable you and your family to obtain the assistance you need.