The dangerous degenerative brain condition cerebral atrophy may be a side effect of medications including the anticonvulsant Dilantin.

Dilantin is a popular anticonvulsant, or epilepsy drug, that works to stop seizures in their early stages.

Dilantin is one of the more commonly used anticonvulsants on the market today. Despite its popularity, a growing number of patients are reporting that the serious degenerative brain condition known as cerebellar atrophy may be one of the possible Dilantin side effects.

Dilantin, like any drug, comes with a variety of mild side effects that generally go away on their own without further harm or treatment.

However, reports and studies linking cerebral atrophy and Dilantin have been cause for significant concern among Dilantin users.

These severe Dilantin side effects can drastically alter a patient’s a life, and can even cause permanent brain damage.

Cerebral Atrophy and Dilantin

Serious long-term Dilantin side effects include cerebral atrophy, a serious degenerative brain condition.

However, cerebral atrophy and Dilantin have also been linked for patients who have only taken Dilantin for a short period of time at the normal dosage, though this is much less likely.

What is Cerebral Atrophy?

Cerebral degeneration, a condition that cause the loss of brain cells over time, can be prompted by a variety of injuries or neurological problems, but has recently also been linked to certain medications.

As the name suggests, cerebral atrophy targets the cerebellum, or the part of the brain that controls essential movements like coordination, speech, posture, and balance.

As cerebellar degeneration causes the brain to lose more brain cells, these motions can be heavily impaired, which can cause a number of serious problems for the patient.

When a patient suffers from cerebral atrophy, some of the movements they make may be out of their control. For instance, cerebellar atrophy symptoms may include the inability to control eye movement, balance, or lack of bodily control.

Though these symptoms are not life-threatening, they can make daily tasks and routines difficult or even impossible.

As the cerebellum continues to degenerate, symptoms get progressively worse for patients leading to:

• Dementia
• Seizures
• Difficulty speaking
• Loss of comprehension or reading ability

Cerebral Degeneration Treatment

There is no cure currently available to treat cerebral atrophy, so treatment focuses instead on combatting its symptoms. If the condition was caused by an infection, symptoms may be stopped from worsening by treating the infection itself.

However, for patients whose cerebral degeneration was caused by Dilantin side effects, stopping intake of the drug may lead to alleviation of some symptoms.

Cerebral Atrophy and Dilantin Lawsuits

While filing a Dilantin lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering of Dilantin side effects, it can help to compensate for financial expenses incurred by medical bills and even lost wages.

If you or someone you love has experienced cerebral atrophy or cerebral atrophy symptoms after long-term use of Dilantin, there may be a link, and you may be able to file a lawsuit.