Studies have shown that Dilantin side effect development may be among cerebellar degeneration causes, a dangerous neurological condition involving damage to the cerebellum.

Dilantin (phenytoin) is an anti-seizure drug used to treat epilepsy in patients who experience grand mal and complex partial seizures. The drug is also prescribed to brain surgery patients to prevent seizures during or after surgery. Other uses include mental health treatment for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, aggressive behavior, Tourette’s syndrome, ADHD, and other disorders.

Dilantin works by controlling and stabilizing the neurological response to stimulation and environmental changes. This stabilizes seizures in response to common triggers such as flashing lights.

Despite its wide range of uses, Dilantin has been shown to be among cerebellar degeneration causes. Cerebellar degeneration is a neurological disease involving damage to the cerebellum, resulting in poor neural connections. Common cerebellar degeneration causes include stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), tumors, seizures, and cerebellar disorders. New studies have found that cerebellar degeneration causes may include long-term Dilantin use.

The cerebellum, which is affected by cerebellar degeneration, is a small structure at the base of the brain stem which helps regulate voluntary movements such as posture, balance, coordination, and speech. When a cerebellum is healthy, it creates smooth and balanced movements.

However, when the cerebellum is damaged by cerebellar degeneration, it can cause unsteady movement. Cerebellar degeneration causes symptoms closely mirroring a stroke, including lack of balance, slow movements, lurching or an unsteady walk, tremors, shaking, unstable eye movements, slurred or slow speech, and memory loss.

Additional symptoms of Dilantin-related cerebellar atrophy may include difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as writing, eating, or tying your shoelaces, difficulty eating or swallowing, and a loss of muscle coordination in the hands, arms, or legs. 

The evidence for cerebellar degeneration as a Dilantin side effect has been around as far back as the 1990s. In 1994, a scientific study took into consideration that seizures can cause cerebellar atrophy and patients on Dilantin may experience the condition from seizures instead of their seizure medication.

However, this study found that patients on Dilantin were far more likely to develop cerebellar degeneration in comparison to non-Dilantin exposed patients. Further studies have found that cerebellar degeneration can occur in children and is more likely as a Dilantin side effect with long-term treatment.

Although numerous studies support Dilantin as one of the many cerebellar degeneration causes, the exact mechanism through which Dilantin is related to the condition is unknown. The condition has been shown to occur most often when the drug serum levels are above the recommended range, but it can occur within the recommended range.

Additional Dilantin Side Effects

In addition to the risk of cerebellar atrophy, Dilantin may also cause several other uncomfortable or serious side effects. The drug may increase your levels of blood sugar, as well as your risk of developing several conditions including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, gum disease, and osteomalacia, or weakening and softening of the bones.

In some cases, patients may develop Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a rare but dangerous condition that causes hives, swelling, skin rash, skin shedding, blisters, and even death. The drug may also cause minor side effects including headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, nervousness or constipation.

Treatment for Cerebellar Atrophy

Although there is currently no treatment for cerebellar atrophy, in most cases, removing the case of the atrophy halts the progression of symptoms. In addition to stopping taking Dilantin, patients who suffer from Dilantin-related cerebellar atrophy may be able to treat their symptoms on a case by case basis.

Physical therapy is often helpful for strengthening muscles and helping with muscle control. Special devices or appliances including walkers and canes may also assist with walking and other activities. Additional treatments that may aid in recovery may include a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, and taking dietary supplements including thiamine and other B vitamins.

Cerebellar degeneration as a Dilantin side effect has been shown to stop when treatment is stopped, and patients have the potential to recover from the damage caused by the condition. However, not every patient recovers the same way and some side effects, especially a persistent lack of muscle coordination, may be permanent.

If you or a loved one were treated with Dilantin and developed cerebellar atrophy, you may be eligible to file a Dilantin lawsuit. A Dilantin lawsuit would aim to hold manufacturers accountable for not warning that Dilantin is among cerebellar degeneration causes and could recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.