The popular epilepsy drug phenytoin has been linked with a serious condition known as cerebellar atrophy that can be caused by phenytoin toxicity. Patients taking phenytoin (brand name Dilantin) may not be aware of the risk they face with cerebellar atrophy, a condition that impairs a part of the brain that controls physical movement.

Phenytoin is a widely used medication for treating epilepsy, also known as an anticonvulsant. Phenytoin is also marketed under the brand name Dilantin and manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, Inc.

Phenytoin is used to treat seizures. Seizures involve a sudden barrage of neurons firing in the brain, which can lead to uncontrollable physical movements.

While phenytoin cannot fully prevent seizures, it works to stop them during their early stages before they get too far, minimizing the effect they have on a patient. In order to do this, phenytoin works to prevent the patient’s brain cells from firing of its neurons at this rapid pace.

Side Effects of Phenytoin Toxicity

Despite its widespread usage, phenytoin is actually connected with a number of significant neurological side effects. These side effects of phenytoin toxicity include:

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

Cerebellar atrophy is one of the drug’s most serious side effects. Indeed, the Seizure European Journal of Epilepsy recently published a study on the connection between phenytoin toxicity and cerebellar atrophy.

According to the study, the length which patients take this drug and the dose they take both increase the phenytoin toxicity, which in turn significantly impacts how likely they are to suffer from phenytoin induced cerebellar atrophy.

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

Cerebellar Atrophy Basics

Cerebellar atrophy is a condition in which the cerebellum’s brain tissue degenerates, meaning that is loses neurons. The cerebellum, or the portion of the brain under the cerebrum and behind the brain stem, is in control of movements such as coordination, speech, posture and balance.

If the cerebellum is damaged by a brain condition such as 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 patients who suffer from phenytoin-induced cerebellar atrophy, treatment simply involves stopping their intake of the drug. For others, however, treatment may be more complicated. For some, cerebellar atrophy can become a permanent part of their lives.

Lawsuits Over Cerebellar Atrophy From Phenytoin Toxicity

If you or someone you love has suffered from phenytoin toxicity side effects like cerebellar atrophy after taking the anti-seizure medication (generic brand Dilantin) you may be able to join a phenytoin toxicity class action investigation.

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