Studies have linked cerebellar atrophy and Dilantin, a prescription medication that helps control and prevent epileptic seizures.

The Epilepsy Foundation notes that brain cells fire at a predetermined rate to allow for normal functionality. During a seizure, brain cells fire at a much more rapid rate than normal. Dilantin prevents the brain cells from firing at the rate needed to start a seizure.

Generically sold as phenytoin, Dilantin is a potent medication, and even a small increase in the dose can cause toxicity. According to the FDA, the agency has received adverse event reports alleging cerebellar atrophy and Dilantin appear linked in patients who take the drug on long-term bases and those who take a higher dose of the anti-seizure medication.

Cerebellar atrophy is a condition marked by the deterioration of nerve cells in the cerebellum, where the brain controls balance and muscle coordination. The cerebellum is located under the cerebrum and behind the brain stem. A person capable of good posture, coordination, balance, speech and precise movement has a healthy cerebellum. A patient suffering the effects of cerebellar atrophy and Dilantin will have difficulty with all of those motor skills.

Signs of Cerebellar Atrophy and Dilantin Side Effects

A patient suffering from cerebellar atrophy and Dilantin side effects often moves with a swaying or stumbling walk, much like that of an intoxicated person. Some patients appear to lurch forward as they walk.

Other symptoms can include a loss of coordination of the arms and legs. An affected patient might reach too far or not far enough than the intended position with their arm or leg.

Patients with cerebellar atrophy suffering Dilantin side effects often exhibit uncoordinated movements of their limbs or trunk, accompanied by tremors or shaking.

Speech can be affected a number of ways. Patients might develop slow, slurred speech patterns. Cerebellar atrophy can change the tone, pitch and volume of the patient’s speech as well.

Abnormally quick eye movements along with a headache can indicate cerebellar atrophy. Affected patients might have trouble sleeping or develop a rash, nausea or swollen, tender gums.

Patients suffering from cerebellar atrophy from Dilantin might appear to be clumsy with daily activities, such as brushing their teeth, brushing their hair, or fastening or buttoning clothing.

Some patients might experience memory loss, dizziness, or personality changes.

Studies of Cerebellar Atrophy and Dilantin

A study of five epileptic patients who had cerebellar degeneration was published in the medical journal The Annals of Neurology. Not one of the patients had experienced a recent seizure, but all five tested to have high levels of Dilantin toxicity. Researchers determined the Dilantin, and not seizures, caused the cerebellar atrophy in those patients.

In 2003, a different study indicated that moderate to severe cerebellar atrophy was linked with long-term use of Dilantin.

If you have suffered from cerebellar atrophy and Dilantin side effects, you could be eligible for compensation through legal representation.