Dilantin, the popular anticonvulsant drug also known as phenytoin, has been linked with serious side effects after long-term use.

One of the more serious potential Dilantin side effects is cerebral atrophy, a condition in which the cerebellum’s brain tissue degenerates, affecting coordination, speech, posture, and balance.

Some patients who have discovered or suspected a link between their Dilantin use and serious Dilantin side effects such as cerebral atrophy are filing Dilantin lawsuits, hoping to gain compensation for the physical and emotional suffering they’ve undergone.

Dilantin and Cerebral Atrophy

Long-term Dilantin use has been more strongly associated with cerebral atrophy than short term use.

A medical journal recently published a study discussing the link between focal cerebral atrophy and long term phenytoin use. Ultimately, the study concluded that the amount of time a patient is exposed to Dilantin affects how likely it is that they develop long-term Dilantin side effects such as cerebral atrophy symptoms.

Research into the link between phenytoin and cerebral atrophy indicates that the condition tends to show up after long-term use and when the drug levels are above the normal range.

However, the condition has previously been reported when taken in the normal usage range as well.

Some patients who take Dilantin and suffer from cerebral atrophy symptoms can rid themselves of these problems by withdrawing from phenytoin while being carefully monitored by a doctor.

However, some patients who have taken Dilantin for extended periods of time may find that cerebral atrophy treatment is impossible, and these cerebral atrophy symptoms can become a permanent part of their lives.

What is Cerebral Atrophy?

Cerebral atrophy is a condition in which the cerebellum’s brain tissue degenerates, losing neurons. The cerebellum, which is the portion of the brain located under the cerebrum and behind the brain stem, is responsible for movements such as coordination, speech, posture, and balance.

When the cerebellum is damaged, cerebral atrophy symptoms can include unstable eye movement, lack of control over body movements, tremors, and imbalance issues.

These side effects can mean that physical tasks become difficult, unsteady, or even impossible. Some have likened cerebral atrophy symptoms to those of a stroke.

What is Dilantin?

Dilantin, a popular drug for the treatment of epilepsy, helps to stop seizures during the early stages. Phenytoin is the generic form of Dilantin, and is one of the more commonly used antiepileptic or anticonvulsant drugs.

When a person suffers from a seizure, the neurons in their brain cells fire off much more rapidly than usual. Dilantin and other similar anti-seizure medications prevent the patient’s brain cells from firing off these neurons at such a rapid pace, which in turn helps control seizures.

Because of its popularity, people may believe the drug is safer than most. However, recent reports indicate that the drug may actually be connected with some severe complications after long-term use.

Dilantin Lawsuits

These long-term Dilantin side effects can cause great damage, especially if they become permanent.

If you or someone you love has suffered from focal cerebral atrophy after taking the anti-seizure medication Dilantin, you may be able to join a phenytoin lawsuit investigation.

While a lawsuit cannot adequately make up for the pain and suffering from cerebral atrophy and cerebral atrophy symptoms, it can help compensate for injuries and financial costs associated with the condition.