The anti-epileptic drug Dilantin, which is used to treat seizures in children and adults who have abnormal brain activity has been linked to focal cerebral atrophy according to a published study.
In a Dilantin (phenytoin) study released in July 2003 in Seizure: European Journal of Epilepsy, researchers looked at 100 MRIs of individuals who had been taking phenytoin for at least two months. Another 20 MRIs for a healthy adult control group were also studied
The researchers questioned if the length of time an individual had been diagnosed with epilepsy had an effect on the degree of atrophy seen in the cerebellum. They found the length of time since diagnosis was important, but it was not as significant as the link between the use of Dilantin and degree of cerebellar atrophy.
Cerebellar atrophy was found to be frequently present when patients had used Dilantin long-term. Some individuals had experienced phenytoin intoxication and were found to have experienced even more severe cerebellar atrophy.
Overall, duration of treatment with Dilantin was the factor that was most strongly linked with cerebellar atrophy, with those who used the medication the longest experiencing the greatest reduction in cerebellar volume.
Dilantin Side Effects
Cerebellar atrophy is a wasting away or degeneration in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that coordinates muscular activity, located at the base of the brain. Posture, balance, coordination and speech are all largely controlled by the cerebellum.
Cerebellar atrophy is considered focal cerebral atrophy. With cerebral atrophy, there is a reduction in size or volume in the brain as a whole, and the shrinkage in the brain is relative to other structures and mostly consistent in degeneration.
With focal cerebral atrophy, a specific area of the brain is targeted. Different parts of the brain can selectively experience atrophy and cause impairment in a particular bodily function.
In cerebellar atrophy, the brain degenerates when the neurons in the cerebellum deteriorate and eventually die. This causes the brain to lose volume and essentially shrink.
Once cerebellar atrophy is recognized, patients can stop Dilantin to reduce the likelihood of experiencing continued cerebellar degeneration.
The outcomes of reversing the degeneration caused by cerebellar atrophy differ, with some individuals able to reverse their symptoms and regain function, while others are plagued with permanent loss of function and damage.
Dilantin Lawsuit Information
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cerebellar atrophy following use of Dilantin (phenytoin) for treatment of epileptic seizures or bipolar disorder, you may have a legal claim.
An experienced Dilantin attorney is available to review your case and assist you in exploring your legal options in a confidential case review.
In general, phenytoin lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.
Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual Dilantin lawsuit or Dilantin class action lawsuit is best for you. Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.
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