A growing number of patients taking the epilepsy medication Dilantin are reportedly suffering from a serious side effect known as cerebral atrophy. If you or someone you love has suffered from cerebral atrophy after taking the medication, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the drug’s manufacturer, Pfizer Inc.

Background of Dilantin

Dilantin (also known by its generic name, phenytoin) is an antiepileptic drug used for the treatment of epilepsy and seizures. Dilantin is one of the more popular anticonvulsant medications available.

The seizures suffered by patients with epilepsy involve neurons firing rapidly in the brain, which can lead to uncontrollable physical movements. In order to stop seizures in their early stages, phenytoin prevents these neurons from firing at such a rapid pace. This minimizes the seizures and lessens the impact they have on a patient. The medication can even bring them to an earlier halt.

Unfortunately, Dilantin reportedly comes with a significant risk of a major side effect known as cerebral atrophy, a degenerative brain condition.

Dilantin Side Effects

Any medication should be expected to come with certain mild or rare side effects, most of which go away on their own without further treatment. More serious side effects should be declared in warnings on the drug’s label, so that patients may weigh the risks and benefits of taking a medication. Dilantin side effects may pose a significant threat.

Dilantin has been linked to a number of side effects, including but not limited to diplopia, dysarthria, incoordination, and drowsiness. The most significant risk commonly linked with the medication is the condition known as Dilantin cerebral atrophy, which can cause permanent damage.

Dilantin Cerebral Atrophy

Dilantin cerebral atrophy tends to affect the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls movements such as coordination, speech, posture, and balance. If the cerebellum is damaged by cerebral atrophy, these major bodily functions can be affected.

For some, treatment of Dilantin cerebral atrophy may be as simple as stopping their intake of the drug. Unfortunately, others face far more permanent consequences.

Recently, a study into Dilantin cerebral atrophy was published in the Seizure European Journal of Epilepsy. The study found that there are two main factors that affect a patient’s likelihood of developing Dilantin cerebral atrophy. First, the length of time a patient has been exposed to Dilantin can dramatically impact their risk of developing the condition. Second, higher dosages of Dilantin can also increase a patient’s risk. These two factors combined further the risk.

It is also possible for patients who took Dilantin for only short periods of time or at lower dosages to develop Dilantin cerebral atrophy, though this is far less likely.

Filing a Dilantin Cerebral Atrophy Lawsuit

More reports are coming in of patients suffering from Dilantin cerebral atrophy after using the anticonvulsant. Many of these patients have begun filing lawsuits against the drug’s manufacturer. If you or someone you love has suffered from Dilantin cerebral atrophy symptoms after taking the medication, you may be able to join a lawsuit investigation.

While a lawsuit cannot adequately make up for pain and suffering from phenytoin cerebellar atrophy and cerebral atrophy symptoms, it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.