The drug phenytoin is one of the most frequently prescribed anti-seizure drugs in the world. But after its long history as an effective anticonvulsive medication, more recent evidence suggests it may cause a condition known as cerebellar atrophy that may permanently affect a person’s ability to control their own movement.
Phenytoin is frequently sold under manufacturer Pfizer Inc.’s brand name Dilantin. It was developed more than 100 years ago as a treatment for the convulsions associated with electroshock therapy. Since then, it has become a standard medication for certain types of seizures.
Despite the drug’s long history of successful application as a way to control seizures, long-term use of phenytoin has been associated with atrophy of a part of the brain known as the the cerebellum.
This condition, known as cerebellar atrophy, is a type of focal cerebral atrophy that can affect all aspects of physical motion. After taking phenytoin for several years, some patients have reported symptoms such as impaired balance, lack of coordination, and difficulty swallowing or speaking.
Case Study of Phenytoin Side Effects
One case study published in the journal Epilepsia in 1997 told the story of a patient’s onset of cerebellar atrophy. This patient had a ten-year history of tonic-clonic seizures that had been well-controlled using phenytoin. After having two generalized convulsions, he was advised to double his daily dose of phenytoin for one day.
Soon after the double dose, he experienced double vision and difficulty moving, described as ataxia. At that point, he checked into the hospital. His doctors gave him phenytoin at his regular daily dose, while at the same time, his family inadvertently gave him the same dose themselves. As a result, he ended up getting a double dose of phenytoin for between two and three weeks. During that time his symptoms worsened.
By the time he checked into a different hospital, the level of phenytoin in his blood was more than four times the maximum therapeutic level. Magnetic resonance imaging showed several physical changes in his brain, including atrophy of the cerebellum.
After a month of hospitalization, the patient’s symptoms improved enough that he could be discharged. However, he still had difficulty moving and problems with speech as well as impairment of memory and calculation.
Six months later, more imaging studies show his cerebellar atrophy had become severe. He continued to have difficulty moving three months after that, and he was only able to walk a few steps without support.
The authors of the case study concluded that the patient’s cerebellar atrophy and related symptoms were likely related to his overdose of phenytoin. They proposed that phenytoin itself may be generally toxic to cerebellar cells.
They note that while some cerebellar symptoms associated with phenytoin overdose can resolve after discontinuing phenytoin, it’s possible that a phenytoin overdose can cause permanent cerebellar atrophy.
This case study shows that the effects of cerebellar atrophy may be not only catastrophic but also long-lasting. Focal cerebral atrophy can permanently degrade a person’s ability to work or even to conduct simple activities of daily living. Severe cases may leave the patient in need of regular assistance from a personal care provider.
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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