Dilantin has become one of the most commonly prescribed anticonvulsants available, but patients taking this medication may face some serious risks. Indeed, Dilantin toxicity is associated with major side effects, including the brain condition known as cerebellar atrophy.

According to a growing number of injured patients, the side effects of Dilantin toxicity can be serious and even permanent.

Basics of Dilantin

Dilantin is a commonly prescribed anticonvulsant or epilepsy medication used to stop seizures in their early stages.

While Dilantin is one of the most widely used anticonvulsants currently available on the market, a growing number of Dilantin’s users are reporting experiencing side effects of Dilantin toxicity. Some of these side effects are the mild complications that are to be expected from any medication. Others, however, may be far more severe. Indeed, side effects of Dilantin toxicity may be more extreme than its packaging and advertising warns about.

Side Effects of Dilantin Toxicity

The side effects of Dilantin toxicity tend to be more severe when a patient has been exposed more heavily to the drug over a longer period of time. However, patients who have been exposed to less of the drug—over a shorter period of time, for instance, or at a lower dosage—may also be at risk of developing this degenerative brain condition, though this is less common.

One of the most dangerous side effects of Dilantin toxicity is cerebellar atrophy, a degenerative brain condition that can make drastic changes in a patient’s life—and its effects may be permanent.

What is Cerebellar Atrophy?

Cerebellar degeneration, a condition that cause the loss of brain cells over time, can be prompted by a variety of injuries or neurological problems. However, cerebellar atrophy has recently also been linked as one of the side effects of Dilantin toxicity.

As its name suggests, cerebellar atrophy targets the part of the brain known as the cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls basic movements like coordination, speech, posture, and balance. As degeneration causes the brain to lose more brain cells, these motions can be heavily impaired, which can lead to a number of serious and long-lasting problems for the patient.

As degeneration continues, symptoms get progressively worse for patients, including dementia, seizures, difficulty speaking, and loss of comprehension or reading ability.

Cerebellar Atrophy Treatment

There is no cure currently available for cerebellar atrophy, so treatment focuses instead on combatting its symptoms. If the condition was caused by an infection, symptoms may be stopped from worsening by treating the infection itself.

However, for patients whose cerebellar atrophy was caused by Dilantin, stopping intake of the drug may lead to alleviation of some symptoms. In other cases, the condition may be permanent.

Cerebellar Atrophy Lawsuits

While filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering of the side effects of Dilantin toxicity, it can help to compensate for financial expenses incurred by medical bills and even lost wages. If you or someone you love has experienced cerebellar atrophy after long-term use of Dilantin, there may be a link, and you may be able to file a lawsuit.