The popular antiepileptic drug Dilantin has unfortunately been linked with an increased risk of cerebellar atrophy—that is, atrophy of the brain.

A growing number of Dilantin users are reporting suffering atrophy of the brain and other side effects. If you or someone you love has experienced side effects like atrophy of the brain after using Dilantin, you may be able to pursue litigation.

Basics of Dilantin

Dilantin (also known by its generic name, phenytoin) is a popular medication used to treat epilepsy and seizures. When a person suffers an epileptic seizure, the brain’s neurons fire much more rapidly than usual, which sparks convulsions or rapid movements. Dilantin works by targeting the rapidly firing neurons, slowing them down and controlling the effects of the seizure.

Despite the wide use of Dilantin, the drug has been associated with a serious complication: cerebellar atrophy, or atrophy of the brain.

Dilantin Side Effects: Atrophy of the Brain

Studies have shown that the use of Dilantin—especially long-term use—can increase a person’s risk of developing a condition known as cerebellar atrophy, or atrophy of the brain. Cerebellar atrophy is a degenerative disease that can affect essential functions like movement, speech, and coordination.

Essentially, atrophy of the brain occurs when the brain tissue of the cerebellum (the part of the brain under the cerebrum and behind the brain stem) degenerates, losing both neurons and the essential connections they form. If the cerebellum is damaged via atrophy of the brain, a person can experience issues like lack of balance, slow movement, and tremors, which can make regular physical tasks difficult.

Cerebellar atrophy may be caused by a number of factors, including stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, tumors, seizures, brain toxins, chemotherapy, and exposure to Dilantin.

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 Dilantin Lawsuit

While filing a Dilantin lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by atrophy of the brain 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.