Long-term phenytoin use has been linked with central nervous system complications such as focal cerebral atrophy for quite some time.
Phenytoin is a popular drug for the treatment of epilepsy and helps to stop seizures during the early stages.
Phenytoin is the generic form of Dilantin and is one of the more commonly used antiepileptic or anticonvulsant drugs.
When a person suffers from a seizure, the neurons in their brain cells fire off much more rapidly than usual. Phenytoin and other anti-seizure medications like it prevent the patient’s brain cells from firing off these neurons at such a rapid pace, which in turn helps control seizures.
However, some patients who have suffered from long-term Dilantin side effects such as cerebellar ataxia are filing phenytoin lawsuits, hoping to gain some kind of compensation in exchange for their physical and emotional suffering.
Long-term Dilantin Side Effects
Phenytoin is one of the more commonly used antiepileptic or anticonvulsant drugs. Yet, long-term Phenytoin use is connected with several neurological side effects. These phenytoin side effects include diplopia, dysarthria, cerebellar ataxia, incoordination, drowsiness, and others.
The Seizure European Journal of Epilepsy recently published a study discussing the link between focal cerebral atrophy and long term phenytoin use. Ultimately, the study concluded that the amount of time a patient is exposed to phenytoin affects how likely it is that they develop Dilantin side effects such as focal cerebral atrophy.
Focal cerebral atrophy, also known as cerebellar atrophy, is a condition in which the cerebellum’s brain tissue degenerates, losing neurons.
The cerebellum, which is the portion of the brain located under the cerebrum and behind the brain stem, is responsible for movements such as coordination, speech, posture, and balance.
This is why, when the cerebellum is damaged, symptoms can include unstable eye movement, lack of control over body movements, tremors, and imbalance issues.
These side effects can mean that physical tasks become difficult, unsteady, or even impossible. Cerebellar atrophy symptoms can be similar to those of a stroke.
Research into the link between phenytoin and cerebellar atrophy indicates that the condition tends to show up after long-term use and when the drug levels are above the normal range. However, the condition has previously been reported when taken in the normal range as well.
Some patients who undergo long-term phenytoin use and suffer from focal cerebral atrophy symptoms can rid themselves of these problems by stopping their drug intake. Patients can be treated for this condition by withdrawing from phenytoin while being carefully monitored by a doctor.
However, some patients who have taken phenytoin for extended periods of time may find that the symptoms can become a permanent part of their lives.
In these instances, phenytoin used as chronic treatment may have led to persistent cerebellar dysfunction. This is most common with cerebellar ataxia, which is the lack of muscle coordination.
Cerebellar Ataxia Studies
A 2013 case report published in the medical journal Neurology Asia followed a 20-year-old female who suffered from many clear side effects of cerebellar atrophy. She showed both physical and cognitive effects of the disease, a mere two weeks after the initial ingestion of phenytoin. Her attention span was reduced, she gave slow responses, and spoke with lalling speech.
After six months, the patient had persistent ataxia with cognitive and affective dysfunction. An MRI showed diffuse cerebellar atrophy.
The study researchers suggest that these findings may indicate ingestion of phenytoin is responsible for the development of persistent cerebellar ataxia and cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome.
Phenytoin Lawsuits
These long-term Dilantin side effects can cause great damage, especially if they become permanent.
If you or someone you know has suffered from focal cerebral atrophy after taking the anti-seizure medication phenytoin (generic brand Dilantin) you may be able to join a phenytoin lawsuit investigation.
While a lawsuit cannot adequately make up for pain and suffering, it can help compensate for injuries.
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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Join a Free Dilantin, Phenytoin Cerebral Atrophy Class Action Lawsuit Investigation
If you or a loved one were injured by Dilantin/phenytoin side effects, you may have a legal claim. Fill out the form for a free case evaluation.
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