Patients taking the medication Dilantin may be curious about the possible side effects, including the risks of cerebellar atrophy.

Dilantin refers to the brand name of the medication, phenytoin. This medication is used to treat seizures and to prevent seizures from happening after a patient has undergone brain surgery.

Unfortunately, this popular seizure medication is associated with side effects that could develop into life-altering medical conditions. Anyone who currently uses this seizure drug should be aware of the possibility of developing cerebellar atrophy.

The brand name version of phenytoin was originally approved for use by the FDA in 1953. Unfortunately, it has been tied to a number of different problematic side effects, including influences on mental health. Some individuals who have taken Dilantin have reportedly become suicidal.

Any of the following symptoms should be taken seriously and reported to a medical professional: violent behavior, depression, anxiety, irritability, talking about suicide, restlessness or mania.

What Are the Risks of Toxicity?

Dilantin toxicity is more likely to occur when other medications are stopped or started or when the dosage of phenytoin is increased.

Symptoms of toxicity linked to this medication may include drowsiness, rapid eye movements, extreme fatigue, coordination problems, and dizziness. One of the most severe risks associated with Dilantin is known as cerebellar degeneration, or cerebellar atrophy.

Cerebellar atrophy refers to neuron deterioration in the cerebellum. Some medical conditions can lead to cerebellar degeneration, which can impact the central nervous system and the brain stem. However, the medication phenytoin has also been associated with cerebellar atrophy.

This condition is characterized by a lurching, unsteady or wide legged walk that is usually accompanied by tremors back and forth in the trunk of the body, according to the National Institutes of Health.

If you believe that your brain could have been affected by taking this seizure medication, brain imaging may be recommended by your doctor to hopefully rule out a cerebellar disorder. According to Dr. Timothy Hain of Dizzyness-and-balance.com, MRI scanning is important for a diagnosis because it can indicate shrinkage in all or part of the cerebellum or shrinkage of the brain stem.

While there are very few disorders that cause brain stem shrinkage, there are multiple disorders that can cause shrinkage of the cerebellum. Anyone who suddenly develops problems walking or moves with an unsteady gait could be showing the early signs of cerebellar atrophy.

Over time, undiagnosed cerebral atrophy can lead to problems with memory, speech, or motor function. Some of the patients who have shown the most problems with their diagnosis were those who took Dilantin over a long period of time.

Injury reports have been submitted to the FDA by patients who took Dilantin and then developed side effects, including brain conditions like atrophy. The atrophy can be focused in one area or generalized, but both present risks to the patient.

If you have been affected by Dilantin cerebellar atrophy or other side effects, you may be able to file a lawsuit and pursue compensation. Of course, filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by this condition, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Filing a lawsuit can be a daunting prospect, so Top Class Actions has laid the groundwork for you by connecting you with an experienced attorney. Consulting an attorney can help you determine if you have a claim, navigate the complexities of litigation, and maximize your potential compensation.