Have you suffered from Dilantin cerebral atrophy after taking the anti-seizure medication? If so, you could be eligible to participate in this investigation.

Dilantin (phenytoin) is one of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat epileptic seizures. The drug was found to control seizures in the early 20th century and works by slowing the electrical impulses in the brain that trigger certain types of seizures.

Cerebral atrophy occurs when the brain cells lose neurons that connect the cells to each other. The loss of neural connectivity leads to a decline in the brain tissue’s health. Dilantin’s action to keep brain cells from firing at the speed required to induce a seizure might slow other cell functions too much.

Dilantin Cerebral Atrophy Possibly Linked to Dosage

Cerebral atrophy related to Dilantin is most often seen in the cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that sits under the cerebrum, just behind the brain stem. The cerebellum is divided into two hemispheres that control coordination and speech.

Long-term use of Dilantin and doses that are beyond the therapeutic range have both been determined as possible links to cerebral atrophy of the cerebellum.

In 1994, researchers examined the MRIs of the cerebellums of patients who had taken Dilantin with those who had never received the medication. They found the cerebella of the Dilantin users to be dramatically smaller than the cerebella of the non-treated control group.

The Annals of Neurology published a different study that looked at five epileptic patients diagnosed with cerebral atrophy. Although none of them had suffered recent seizures, all had particularly high levels of Dilantin toxicity. Researchers determined the Dilantin – and not the seizures – led to the cerebellar atrophy.

In 2003, another study found that moderate to severe cerebellar atrophy occurred with long-term use of Dilantin.

Symptoms of Cerebral Atrophy

A patient suffering from Dilantin cerebral atrophy affecting the cerebellum might exhibit some noticeable signs. In severe cases, patients show an inability to control many types of motions. Other symptoms can include a loss of coordination of the arms and legs. The patient might undershoot or overshoot the intended placement of their hand, arm, leg or eye.

Other symptoms a patient might be suffering from cerebral atrophy include:

• A lurching-type walk
• Unsteady, stumbling gait
• Slow or unsteady jerking movements of the arms or legs
• Small, rapid movements of the eyes
• Memory loss
• Clumsiness with daily activities such as brushing teeth, buttoning clothing
• Changes in the tone, pitch or volume of speech
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Personality changes

Elderly patients and those who are on certain medications to treat abnormal heart rhythms, alcoholism, ulcers and tuberculosis are at a greater risk of Dilantin toxicity that can lead to cerebral atrophy.

Because Dilantin is a very potent medication, the dosing is extremely important. The prescribing doctor’s instructions should be followed precisely.

If you or a loved one have suffered from Dilantin cerebral atrophy, you could be eligible for compensation through legal representation.

How is Cerebellar Atrophy Treated?

Some cases of cerebellar atrophy may be reversible. In the case of cerebellar degeneration linked to medications or toxicity, if a patient is no longer exposed to the toxin, their symptoms could improve. For example, if a patient is taking a medication that is linked to their cerebellar degeneration, stopping their use of the medication may lead to improvement.

However, some cases of cerebellar degeneration or atrophy may be permanent. Patients whose cerebellar degeneration is permanent may suffer symptoms and side effects for the rest of their lives.

Severe movement problems linked to cerebellar degeneration, also known as ataxia, may affect a person’s lifestyle and daily activities, says the Mayo Clinic.  

Johns Hopkins Medicine warns that medication usually does not successfully slow the progression of ataxia. However, some drug therapies may reduce some of the effects, including cerebellar tremors and leg spasticity, reports the Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. 

Adapting to life with cerebellar degeneration may require therapy and ongoing care. Physical and occupational therapy may help those with movement problems caused by cerebellar degeneration.

Adaptive devices like wheelchairs and walkers may help patients with movement problems get around. These patients may be at risk for falling or having other accidents, so it may be helpful to adapt a patient’s environment to let them move around safely and conveniently.

Due to cerebellar degeneration’s mental as well as physical effects, mental and physical exercises, quality sleep, and proper diet may be beneficial.