Dilantin (phenytoin) is a commonly prescribed anticonvulsant drug that is prescribed to treat epileptic seizures in affected patients.

It is also prescribed in an off-label fashion for a number of other disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD, eating disorders, and other disorders that are psychiatric in nature.

Some patients have felt that Dilantin has delivered nothing short of a miracle in terms of its efficiency and reducing or eliminating seizures and controlling symptoms related to psychiatric complaints. The drug appears to have a wide-reaching effect in the body and can restore feelings of well-being.

However, a condition known as cerebellar atrophy caused by Dilantin may not be the topic of discussion when a patient is placed on the medication. The drug’s manufacturers may not do enough to warn prescribing physicians, patients and the general public about this serious condition associated with the drug’s use.

What Is Cerebellar Atrophy Caused by Dilantin?

Cerebellar atrophy refers to the degradation of the cerebellum, a part of the brain that is responsible for balance and coordination as well as movement.

The cerebellum lies at the base of the brain near the spinal cord. When the cerebellum begins to degrade, this is a result of the death of neurons and connections between neurons. The cerebellum itself actually shrinks in size.

When the cerebellum is impacted, a number of problems result. Individuals develop speech difficulty, balance problems and the coordinating of voluntary movements. They may not be able to walk steadily, pick up small objects, speak clearly, and they may suffer from tremors or shaking, abnormal movements and headaches.

The symptoms of cerebellar atrophy caused by Dilantin mimic those of a person who has been intoxicated by alcohol. In fact, when a person becomes affected by excessive alcohol intake, the cerebellum is primarily affected by the alcohol.

Initially, researchers thought that perhaps the seizure activity of epileptic patients was actually causing the cerebellum to deteriorate.

However, after they completed imaging studies for patients who had been treated with Dilantin, they found that those who were on the medication had cerebellums that were affected, with patients who had been on the drug longer having more profound degenerative changes.

Have You Been Diagnosed with Cerebellar Atrophy Caused by Dilantin?

If you have been diagnosed with cerebellar atrophy caused by Dilantin, you may be able to seek legal compensation for your injuries.

Product liability lawsuits often claim that a product suffered from a design defect, manufacturing defect, or information defect, which is more commonly known as failure to warn. Plaintiffs who go on to file product liability lawsuits against the drug’s manufacturer may be able to recover damages related to medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and earning capacity, loss of spousal companionship and more.

Filing a product liability lawsuit sends a strong message to the manufacturer that patient safety is an unquestionable expectation and that manufacturers should be held responsible for any problems resulting from the drug’s use. A product liability attorney can provide you with a free case review and consultation to discuss your unique situation to help you decide if filing a lawsuit is right for you.