Cerebellar atrophy, also known as cerebellar degeneration, can result from a number of conditions and is a side effect of the prescription drug Dilantin. Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about this condition and how it’s treated.

What is Cerebellar Atrophy?

Also known as cerebellar degeneration, cerebellar atrophy occurs when nerve cells — called neurons –– in the cerebellum — the part of the brain that controls muscle coordination, speech and balance — deteriorate. Anything that affects the cerebellum can also impact other parts of the central nervous system, including the cerebral cortex, the brain stem and the spinal cord.

What Are Symptoms of Cerebellar Atrophy?

The primary symptom of cerebellar atrophy is a condition known as ataxia. Derived from a Greek word meaning “out of order,” ataxia is characterized by a lurching, wide-stanced gait, along with tremors that cause the trunk to sway back and forth. This may be accompanied by sudden, jerky movements of the limbs, abnormal eye movements (nystagmus) and slurred speech. There is also clinical evidence to indicate that cerebellar degeneration can have psychiatric manifestations as well, including ADHD, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety.

What Causes Cerebellar Atrophy?

Aside from the side effects of Dilantin, cerebellar degeneration may be due to:

• stroke
• genetic mutations
• brain inflammation
• multiple sclerosis
• auto-immune disorders related to cancer
• alcoholism

Can Cerebellar Atrophy Be Cured?

For cases caused by genetics and heredity, there is no cure for cerebellar degeneration. There are some prescription medications to treat ataxia, including Diamox (acetazolamide). In some cases, supplemental Vitamin E may also help.

If cerebellar atrophy is an acquired condition, there are things that can be done to reverse the symptoms, such as physical therapy, eliminating alcohol, making dietary changes and taking Vitamin B supplements. This is also true when the condition is brought on from taking Dilantin.

What is Dilantin and Why is it Prescribed?

Dilantin (phenytoin) is used to prevent seizures due to epilepsy or head injuries. In some cases, it is prescribed for arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or pain caused by nerve damage (neuropathy). Minor side effects include:

• narcolepsy
• nausea and appetite loss
• hirsutism (unwanted hair growth)
• headaches
• anxiety

In addition to cerebellar atrophy, major side effects of Dilantin are known to include:

• bone marrow disorders
• hypotension (low blood pressure)
• liver injuries
• nerve damage
• osteoporosis
• tremors
• serious skin rash

It should be noted that patients who experience cerebellar degeneration as a result of taking Dilantin may experience a reversal of the condition once they discontinue the medication. Any withdrawal from Dilantin should be monitored by a physician. In the case of ataxia, the damage may be permanent.

I Was Injured by Taking Dilantin. What Can I Do?

Injury lawsuits are already being filed against Dilantin manufacturer Pfizer
, alleging that the company has long been aware of the cerebellar atrophy risk associated with the drug. A personal injury lawyer with experience in litigating drug cases can advise you about building a case and filing a lawsuit.

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