Dilantin is a common prescription drug also known by its generic name phenytoin. It is used to stop seizures in those who suffer from epilepsy. Though the drug is seen as a helpful way to stop seizures, unfortunately, the drug may have some serious side effects that outweigh its benefits.

Studies show that Dilantin use can result in cerebellar degeneration or cerebellar atrophy. The cerebellum is the part of a brain that controls voluntary movement including posture, balance, coordination and speech.

When a patient’s cerebellum is damaged and its functionality is impaired, this condition is referred to as cerebellar atrophy or cerebellar degeneration. When a cerebellum is damaged, its it loses neurons and the connections between them. This impairs a brain’s ability to send signals  to the rest of the body and control movement.

Patients with cerebellar atrophy or cerebellar degeneration can exhibit a range of symptoms including:

• memory loss
• nystagmus (small rapid movements in the eyes)
• unsteady, lurching walk, often including a back and forth tremor in the torso
• slow, slurred speech

Cerebellar degeneration can result from a range of causes, so some patients who have received a cerebellar atrophy diagnosis may not know that their condition is linked to their use of the anti-epileptic drug.

Cerebellar degeneration can be caused by stroke, and the presence of toxins in the brain including ethanol, chemotherapy, and other possibly toxic medications. Unfortunately, Dilantin may be one of these medications.

In fact, seizures themselves can cause cerebellar degeneration, so identifying if an epilepsy patient’s cerebellar degeneration is the result of Dilantin use or the seizures can be a task. Some patients may not know at all why they developed cerebellar degeneration.

So, to better understand the link between Dilantin and a cerebellar atrophy diagnosis, researchers conducted a study examining the cerebella of epilepsy sufferers who took Dilantin versus those who did not. A 1994 study revealed that on average, patients who took Dilantin had significantly smaller cerebella than those who did not take Dilantin.

In 2003, more research was published linking Dilantin to cerebellar degeneration and cerebellar atrophy.

Since research linking Dilantin to cerebellar degeneration has been around since 1994, why is the drug still on the market? Patients who took Dilantin and then received a cerebellar atrophy diagnosis may wonder why the drug is still sold.

It is possible that the drug’s maker knew of the dangers of Dilantin but sold it nonetheless. It is even possible that the drug company intentionally downplayed the risks associated with this drug.

If you or a loved one took the anti-epileptic drug Dilantin and then received a cerebellar atrophy diagnosis, you may have a legal claim. Lawyers are investigating patient claims relating to Dilantin use and a cerebellar atrophy diagnosis.