Phenytoin, also known as Dilantin, has been associated with an alarming brain condition known as cerebellar degeneration, or cerebral atrophy. Cerebral atrophy is an atrophy or shrinking of the brain that occurs over time.

Cerebellar degeneration can occur as a result of several different conditions. Age can cause cerebellar degeneration as the neurons and the connections between brain tissue deteriorate over time. Conditions like multiple sclerosis can also cause cerebellar degeneration.

Cerebral atrophy or shrinking can be generalized or focal. Generalized cerebral atrophy occurs when the tissue of the entire brain has shrunk. Focal cerebral atrophy generally targets one spot in the brain.  When it is focused on one area, like the cerebellum, it can affect the brain functions of that area of the brain.

Dilantin is an anti-seizure drug used to treat or prevent generalized tonic-clonic seizures, complex partial seizures, and seizures during or after brain surgery. Dilantin can be used alone or with other drugs to treat and prevent seizures.

General side effects associated with Dilantin include dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty focusing, an unsteady gait, tiredness and fatigue, abnormal involuntary movements, vomiting and nausea, loss of appetite and constipation and abdominal pain. Cerebellar degeneration is one of the more serious side effects connected with Dilantin use.

Dilantin users may suffer from focalized degeneration in the area of the cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that sits behind the brain stem below the cerebrum and is divided into two hemispheres. It helps to regulate the voluntary large movements of the body including balance and coordination, speech and posture. The cerebellum receives information from the sensory systems including the spinal cord and other parts of the brain.

The cerebellum is not a very large part of the brain and only accounts for about ten percent of the total brain weight. But the cerebellum contains about half of the brains neurons which are specialized cells that deliver information in the brain using electrical signals. If the cerebellum is damaged or experiences cerebellar degeneration, many things can be affected. In some patients, this damage or degeneration looks similar to a stroke.

Cerebellar degeneration symptoms may also appear in the form of slow movements, tremors, shaking and unstable eye movements. Many tasks the patient tries to accomplish are difficult and unsteady. Additionally, the speech of a patient suffering from Dilantin cerebellar degeneration may be slow and slurred.

One study suggests that Dilantin cerebellar degeneration may be more common with those patients who have long-term exposure to the drug in high doses. However, cerebellar degeneration has also been connected to Dilantin users who have used the drug at normal levels.

Patients who have suffered cerebellar degeneration due to Dilantin use may be eligible to file a Dilantin cerebellar degeneration lawsuit.  Successful plaintiffs may receive compensation for medical bills as well as their pain and suffering.  Legal professionals can help Dilantin users determine if filing a lawsuit is right for them.