Is Reversing Cerebellar Atrophy Possible? 

Cerebellar atrophy is a severe, long-lasting condition that can have permanent consequences for patients. Fortunately, in some cases—depending on what caused the condition in the first place—reversing cerebellar atrophy is possible.

What is Cerebellar Atrophy?

Cerebellar atrophy (also known as ataxia) is a severe degenerative condition of the brain’s tissue, which can affect basic voluntary movements like posture, coordination, balance, and speech. Those suffering from cerebellar atrophy may exhibit a lurching walk, slow or slurred speech, rapid eye movement, or even loss of memory. The effects of this condition can be long-lasting or even permanent.

What are the Causes of Cerebellar Atrophy?

There are a number of potential causes of cerebellar atrophy, including other diseases or conditions (like head trauma, stroke, cerebral palsy, autoimmune diseases, and infections, among others), alcohol abuse, aging, or inherited genes. In most of these cases, reversing cerebellar atrophy is typically not possible. Drug therapies can be used to treat specific related symptoms.

However, in instances where the underlying cause of cerebellar atrophy is found and is itself capable of being reversed, the condition may improve or even be reversed.

The condition has been linked with certain vitamin deficiencies, so taking the right supplements can help reverse its impact. Cerebellar atrophy has also been linked with the use of a medication called Dilantin, so ceasing use may have an impact.

What is Dilantin?

Dilantin

(also known by its generic name, phenytoin) is an anticonvulsant used to reduce seizure activity in the brain, helping to control the effects of seizures. Dilantin is manufactured by Pfizer, Inc., and was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in 1953. In subsequent decades, Dilantin has grown to become one of the most popular anticonvulsant options available.

Unfortunately, Dilantin has been linked with cerebellar atrophy—especially the long-term use of the drug at higher dosages. The good news is that reversing cerebellar atrophy caused by exposure to Dilantin is possible. If the use of Dilantin is stopped (while being monitored by a doctor), symptoms of cerebellar atrophy may improve.

What Measures Can Help Possibly Reverse Cerebellar Atrophy?

An article in the medical journal Movement Disorders addresses several treatments that may help in reversing cerebellar atrophy under certain circumstances.

In an overview of the article, Science Daily noted that ataxia caused by a vitamin E deficiency may be treated with high doses of vitamin E that eventually halt the progression of cerebellar atrophy. Some patients see improvement in their neurological impairment, but this improvement takes time and may not resolve all the problems with motor skills.

Researchers noted vitamin E doses of 800 mg per day were most helpful in patients who had experienced fewer than 15 years of cerebellar degeneration.

In other cases of cerebellar atrophy, the root cause may be a problem with gluten. Scientists found that gluten ataxia may be reversed when the patient follows a strictly gluten-free regimen.

“Clinicians must become familiar with these disorders, because maximal therapeutic benefit is only possible when done early. These uncommon conditions represent a unique opportunity to treat incurable and progressive diseases,” author Adolfo Ramirez-Zamora, MD, co-author José Biller, MD, and fellow researchers said. Dr. Ramirez-Zamora is an assistant professor of neurology and the Phyllis E. Dake Endowed Chair in Movement Disorders at Albany Medical Center Department of Neurology. Dr. Biller is chair of the Department of Neurology of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.

Pinpointing the reason a patient is experiencing the decline in motor skills associated with cerebellar atrophy is the most important step in determining what steps will halt or reverse the condition.

Can I File a Dilantin Cerebellar Atrophy Lawsuit?

A growing number of patients are turning to litigation over Dilantin side effects, alleging the manufacturer failed to adequately warn them about the risks associated with the medication.

If you or someone you love has suffered from cerebellar atrophy after taking Dilantin, 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 major Dilantin complication, but it can at least help to alleviate the financial burden incurred by medical expenses, lost wages, and more.

Filing a lawsuit can seem like 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.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.