Dilantin, also known generically as phenytoin, is an anticonvulsant drug whose long-term use has recently come under question. Some evidence has suggested that long-standing use of Dilantin and cerebellar degeneration might be related.

The cerebellum is an area of the brain that is located near the base and forward of the brain stem. It is responsible for the regulation and coordination of voluntary large and fine motor muscle movement as well as balance.

Although discovered by German Chemist Heinrich Blitz in 1908, Dilantin was not used for the treatment of seizure disorders until 1936. It has been found to be helpful since that time in treating tonic-clonic seizures, and partial seizures.

Globally, Dilantin is one of the most popular emergency room drugs to treat seizures because of how inexpensive it is to use and generally how safe it is thought to be. It is today, however, rarely the go-to medication it once was and neurologists rarely prescribe this drug without trying other options first.

The relationship between Dilantin and cerebellar degeneration may be complicated. This is because a seizure disorder by itself can lead to cerebellar atrophy. Previous studies had patients with full convulsive seizures, developmental disabilities, and other random health histories that might have played a part in the results.

According to the National Library of Medicine, a different study was undertaken that was better about controlling for certain health variables in the mid-nineties. This study enlightened the connection between Dilantin and cerebellar degeneration further by screening out participants with developmental delays and full tonic-clonic seizure disorders.

Thirty-six patients were selected with partial seizures, complaining of dizziness and headaches, with long-term exposure to phenytoin (Dilantin). These participants were matched in age, health status, and other attributes with non-phenytoin, non-epileptic participants for comparison. The participants were subjected to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

It was discovered that subjects not taking phenytoin and not having epilepsy had significantly larger cerebellar lobes than the matching control group. There seemed to be no appreciable size difference among the group with epilepsy and phenytoin use that was directly correlated with how severe the seizure disorder was or how big a dose they took of Dilantin. It was more longevity of use that had the impact.

The conclusion of the study was that the primary origin of atrophy was unknown but that Dilantin and cerebellar degenerationand epilepsy were definitely entwined in a dance whose outcome could be very unpleasant. According to a reputable law review website, there are three stages of cerebellar atrophy:

1. The First Stage: largely marked by dizziness while ambulating, a lurching back and forth movement of the body while standing upright and still, poor leg coordination when negotiating stair climbing, difficulty with judging distances and moving the eyes.

2. The Second Stage: largely marked by slurred speech, difficulty writing, loss of overall body coordination, inability to control posture and gait, heaviness and lack of control of the legs and arms.

3. The Third Stage: largely marked by inability to speak, difficulty swallowing, unintelligible writing, thought process impairment.

If you feel you or a loved one have been injured by long-term exposure to Dilantin, you may have a legal case against the drug manufacturer. A product liability lawyer can consult with you to discuss if a lawsuit is right for you.