More and more users of phenytoin, an epilepsy drug also sold under the brand name Dilantin, report suffering from phenytoin cerebellar atrophy after using the drug.

Many of these patients are contemplating filing lawsuits against the drug’s manufacturer, Pfizer, Inc., alleging that the pharmaceutical giant had a responsibility to adequately warn about the risk of phenytoin cerebellar atrophythat they failed to maintain. Patients hope that, through filing a lawsuit, they will be able to regain some kind of financial compensation.

Background of Phenytoin

Phenytoin is a popular medication used to treat epilepsy, or anticonvulsant. Phenytoin is also sold under the brand name Dilantin, and is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc.

The seizures patients with epilepsy suffer from involve neurons firing rapidly in the brain, which can lead to uncontrollable physical movements. In order to stop seizures in their early stages, phenytoin prevents these neurons from firing at such a rapid pace. This minimizes the seizures and lessens the impact they have on a patient, and even brings them to an earlier halt.

Side Effects of Phenytoin

While any medication will come with certain mild side effects that go away on their own without further treatment, the side effects of phenytoin may be more serious. Indeed, despite its widespread usage, phenytoin has been linked with the following severe complications:

• Cerebellar atrophy
• Diplopia
• Dysarthria
• Incoordination
• Drowsiness
• Others

Phenytoin cerebellar atrophy is one of the most severe side effects of the drug. A journal recently published a study on phenytoin cerebellar atrophy which found that the length which patients take this drug and the dose they take significantly impacts how likely they are to suffer from phenytoin cerebellar atrophy.

Patients who take phenytoin long-term are much more likely to develop phenytoin cerebellar atrophy. While patients who take phenytoin for only a short period of time are also at risk of phenytoin cerebellar atrophy, this is far less likely.

Plus, patients who take phenytoin at higher dosages are also more likely to develop phenytoin cerebellar atrophy.

Phenytoin Cerebellar Atrophy

Cerebellar atrophy is a condition in which the cerebellum’s brain tissue degenerates, losing neurons. The cerebellum controls movements such as coordination, speech, posture, and balance. If the cerebellum is damaged by a brain condition such as phenytoin cerebellar atrophy, major bodily functions can be affected. Symptoms can include unstable eye movement, lack of control over body movements, tremors, and issues with balance.

For some, treatment of phenytoin cerebellar atrophy may be as simple as stopping their intake of the drug. Unfortunately, others face more permanent consequences, and are forced to deal with phenytoin cerebellar atrophy symptoms as a permanent part of their lives.

Filing a Phenytoin Cerebellar Atrophy Lawsuit

If you or someone you know has suffered from phenytoin cerebellar atrophy symptoms after taking the medication (generic brand Dilantin) you may be able to join a phenytoin lawsuit investigation.

While a lawsuit cannot adequately make up for pain and suffering from phenytoin cerebellar atrophy and cerebral atrophy symptoms, it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.