Dilantin, a popular anticonvulsant medication, has been linked with a number of serious Dilantin risks, including a degenerative brain condition known as cerebellar atrophy.

Dilantin is a widely prescribed anticonvulsant or epilepsy medication used to stop seizures in their early stages. Indeed, Dilantin is one of the most commonly used anticonvulsants currently available.

However, despite the drug’s popularity and widespread use, some Dilantin users have reported experiencing serious side effects, including the degenerative brain condition cerebral atrophy.

Any medication will come with certain side effects, and this is true of Dilantin as well. But Dilantin risks may be more extreme than the drug’s packaging and advertising warns about.

Cerebellar Atrophy one of Dilantin Risks

Cerebellar atrophy is a condition that can cause drastic changes to a patient’s life. Its effects may also be permanent.

Research and case studies suggest that cerebellar atrophy has been reported as one of the side effects of Dilantin for patients taking the drug long-term.

Patients who have taken Dilantin for only short periods of time may also develop the brain condition, though this is less common.

Patients are also more likely to suffer from Dilantin side effects when taking a higher dosage of the drug, especially when compounded with long-term usage.

By contrast, patients who take Dilantin for only a short period of time at a normal or low dosage are less likely to experience cerebellar atrophy.

What is Cerebellar Atrophy?

Cerebellar atrophy is a type of focal cerebral atrophy, a condition that cause the loss of brain cells over time. It can be prompted by a variety of injuries or neurological problems, but has recently also been linked to certain medications, including Dilantin.

As the name suggests, cerebellar atrophy targets the part of the brain known as the cerebellum. The cerebellum is essential, and is the part of the brain that controls vital movements like coordination, speech, posture, and balance.

As cerebellar degeneration causes the brain to lose more brain cells, these movements can be heavily impaired, which can cause a number of serious and long-lasting problems for the patient.

As the cerebellum continues to degenerate, symptoms get progressively worse for patients. They may suffer from:

• Dementia
• Seizures
• Difficulty speaking
• Loss of comprehension or reading ability

Cerebellar Degeneration Treatment

There is no cure currently available to treat cerebral atrophy, so treatment focuses instead on combating its symptoms. If the condition was caused by an infection, symptoms may be stopped from worsening by treating the infection itself.

However, for patients whose cerebellar degeneration was caused by Dilantin risks, stopping intake of the drug may lead to alleviation of some symptoms.

Cerebellar Atrophy and Dilantin Lawsuits

While filing a Dilantin lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering of cerebellar atrophy, 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 or cerebellar atrophy symptoms after long-term use of Dilantin, you may have grounds for filing a Dilantin lawsuit.