A recent lawsuit filed by three California men against Pfizer claims the anti-epileptic drug Dilantin may cause brain damage.

Men Claim Dilantin Causes Cerebellar Atrophy

In February, three men who say they were harmed after taking Pfizer’s anti-epileptic drug, Dilantin, filed a lawsuit against the pharmaceutical company claiming that the drug results in cerebellar atrophy. Dilantin is commonly used to treat epilepsy and other seizure disorders, as well as to prevent seizures from occurring during or after brain surgery. Cerebellar atrophy is a type of brain damage that affects the cerebellum, which is responsible for muscle coordination and movement.

Plaintiffs Ronald G., Daniel C., and James F. claim that Dilantin caused them to suffer permanent and damaging side effects. According to Ronald, age 77, he took Dilantin for many years. Due to this prolonged exposure, he claims to suffer from cerebellar atrophy, resulting in memory trouble, mood swings, severe balance issues, and tremors.

Daniel says he began taking Dilantin at the age of two. He is now in his 30s, and claims to suffer from balance problems, slurred speech, and memory loss. Additionally, Daniel claims that his Dilantin-related cerebellar atrophy has resulted in permanent disability, requiring him to use a wheelchair.

James also took Dilantin for many years, and claims that he has suffered from issues including loss of balance and mobility, as well as memory problems.

The three plaintiffs claim that Pfizer knew, or should have known, about the link between Dilantin and cerebellar atrophy, as hundreds of reports of these side effects have been submitted to the company. However, at the time the plaintiffs were prescribed the drug, there were no warning labels regarding the potential for brain damage. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for their injuries, as well as punitive damages.

What is Cerebellar Atrophy?

Cerebellar atrophy refers to the deterioration and death of nerve cells in the cerebellum. The cerebellum is the part of the brain responsible for physical movements, fine motor functions, eye movements, muscle coordination, and maintaining balance. The cerebellum may also play a role in some mental processing, including processing language and mood regulation. When the tissue in the cerebellum deteriorates, neurons and the connections between them also deteriorate, leading to profound issues with the cerebellum’s many functions. Since the cerebellum plays a huge role in balance and movement, people who suffer from cerebellum damage often experience problems related to the ability to walk, perform fine motor tasks, and maintain balance.

Side Effects of Cerebellar Atrophy

People who suffer from Dilantin cerebellar atrophy may show many symptoms of the condition. Cerebellar atrophy is often characterized by ataxia, or a loss of muscle coordination and control. Ataxia may result in loss of coordination, blurry vision or trouble focusing, difficulty swallowing, and problems with tasks that require fine motor skills, such as writing, tying a shoe, or buttoning a shirt. Other symptoms of cerebellar atrophy may include tremors, mood imbalances, and memory problems. Many people with the condition walk with a lurching, jerky, or unsteady gait. Others may suffer from nystagmus, or rapid eye movements.

Although cerebellar atrophy caused by Dilantin is not curable, some of the side effects may be effectively treated with mobility aids, as well as considering therapy or medication to treat mental side effects including depression.

Those who who have suffered cerebellar atrophy caused by Dilantin may be eligible to hire an experienced attorney to review their case and determine whether they qualify to file a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer of the drug.

Ronald, Daniel, and James’ Dilantin Lawsuit is Case No: CGC-2-582896 filed n the Superior Court for the State of California, San Francisco County.

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