The development of cerebellar atrophy has prompted some patients to come forward with concerns about the effectiveness and safety of Dilantin, a drug used to treat and prevent seizures. Those patients are concerned about Dilantin side effects that could lead to significant medical expenses and further conditions.

Severe Dilantin Side Effects May Cause Long-Term Medical Conditions

Cerebellar atrophy is a type of cerebral atrophy that has been associated with Dilantin side effects. Dilantin is frequently prescribed to treat epilepsy. Academic studies, however, have shown that the long-term use of Dilantin is linked to a higher risk of atrophy, which can affect a patient’s coordination, speech and movement.

The impacts of these Dilantin side effects may look different from one patient to another, but all represent the same risk of atrophy. If a patient doesn’t realize these symptoms are connected to their medication usage, the condition may worsen.

Cerebellar atrophy occurs when the brain tissue loses neurons and brain tissue degenerates. Atrophy can be generalized, meaning that the entire brain experiences shrinkage or it can affect a particular area.

Some of the symptoms of cerebellar atrophy, one of the most devastating Dilantin side effects, include memory loss, slurred and slow speech, jerky and unsteady movements, a lurching or unsteady walk, and nystagmus.

Other causes of this medical condition include tumors, stroke, seizures and multiple sclerosis. Cerebellar atrophy tends to show up in those patients who have been using Dilantin for a long period of time.

One 2003 study, for example, found that moderate and severe cerebellar atrophy was linked to use of Dilantin over many years. Those children who take Dilantin to treat their epilepsy condition may also experience these side effects.

Dilantin side effects can be significant if not caught early by the doctor. Recovery may be possible when a patient discontinues taking Dilantin, however, this can generate withdrawal effects.

In certain cases in which the patient has suffered acute toxicity due to Dilantin or when there has been chronic treatment with Dilantin, some of the injuries may be permanent, particularly cerebellar ataxia. This refers to a lack of muscle coordination, impacting the patient.

Development of this medical condition can be concerning if a patient does not capture the side effects sooner rather than later and report them to their doctor. Damage to any part of the cerebellum can lead to significant pain and problems for the victim including tremors, a lack of balance and slow movements.

This can make physical tasks carried out by the patient impossible or extremely difficult. Many of the symptoms associated with cerebellar atrophy are very similar to a stroke and can be difficult to spot without the insight of a doctor.

Some patients who developed this serious condition discontinued their use of the medication but are still suffering the impacts of the drug. As more complaints are filed by patients who say they were never warned about the high risk of this issue, the number of lawsuits may increase against the drug’s manufacturer for alleged defects and failure to warn.