Patients taking phenytoin, brand name Dilantin, to treat their epilepsy may face a serious risk of suffering phenytoin induced cerebellar atrophy.

A growing number of patients who have been diagnosed with phenytoin induced cerebellar atrophy may be in a position to take legal action against the drug’s manufacturer, possibly recovering financial compensation for the physical and emotional suffering they have endured because of the drug.

Phenytoin Basics

Phenytoin is a widely used medication for treating epilepsy, also known as an anticonvulsant. Phenytoin is also marketed under the brand name Dilantin, manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, Inc.

Phenytoin is used to treat seizures. Seizures are essentially a sudden barrage of neurons firing in the brain, which can lead to uncontrollable physical movements.

Phenytoin works to stop seizures during their early stages before it gets too far, which minimizes the physical effect they have on a patient. Phenytoin works to prevent the patient’s brain cells from firing of its neurons at this rapid pace.

Dilantin minimizes seizures and even brings them to an early halt. This can be a great help to patients with epilepsy, but unfortunately, this medication has some serious side effects.

Side Effects of Phenytoin Usage

Despite its widespread usage, phenytoin is actually connected with a number of significant neurological side effects. These phenytoin side effects include:

• Cerebellar atrophy
• Diplopia
• Dysarthria
• Incoordination
• Drowsiness
• Others

Phenytoin induced cerebellar atrophy is one of the drug’s most serious side effects.

According to a recent study on phenytoin induced cerebellar atrophy, the length which patients take this drug and the dose they take significantly impacts how likely they are to suffer from phenytoin induced cerebellar atrophy. Indeed, patients who take phenytoin long-term are much more likely to develop phenytoin induced cerebellar atrophy.

While patients who take phenytoin for only a short period of time are also at risk of phenytoin induced cerebellar atrophy, their risk is lower. Patients who take phenytoin at higher dosages are also more likely to develop phenytoin induced cerebellar atrophy.

Phenytoin Induced Cerebellar Atrophy

Cerebral atrophy is a condition in which the cerebellum’s brain tissue degenerates, meaning that is loses neurons. The cerebellum, or the portion of the brain under the cerebrum and behind the brain stem, is in control of movements such as coordination, speech, posture, and balance.

If the cerebellum is damaged by a brain condition such as cerebellar atrophy, major bodily functions can be affected. Symptoms can include unstable eye movement, lack of control over body movements, tremors, and issues with balance.

For some patients who suffer from phenytoin induced cerebellar atrophy, treatment simply involves stopping their intake of the drug. For others, however, treatment may be more complicated. Indeed, cerebellar atrophy symptoms can become a permanent part of their lives.

Lawsuits Over Phenytoin Induced Cerebellar Atrophy

These phenytoin induced cerebellar atrophy problems can cause great damage, especially if they become permanent.

If you or someone you know has suffered from phenytoin induced cerebellar atrophy after taking the anti-seizure medication (generic brand Dilantin) you may be able to join a phenytoin lawsuit investigation. While a lawsuit cannot adequately make up for pain and suffering from phenytoin induced cerebellar atrophy and cerebral atrophy symptoms, it can help to alleviate the financial burden caused by medical expenses and lost wages.