Spina Bifida
Spina bifida (SB) is a neural tube defect (a disorder involving incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or their protective coverings) caused by the failure of the fetus's spine to close properly during the first month of pregnancy. Infants born with SB sometimes have an open lesion on their spine where significant damage to the nerves and spinal cord has occurred. Although the spinal opening can be surgically repaired shortly after birth, the nerve damage is permanent, resulting in varying degrees of paralysis of the lower limbs. Even when there is no lesion present there may be improperly formed or missing vertebrae and accompanying nerve damage.
Types of Spina Bifida
The three most common types of spina bifida are:
- spina bifida myelomeningocele, the severest form, in which the spinal cord and its protective covering (the meninges) protrude from an opening in the spine;
- spina bifida meningocele in which the spinal cord develops normally but the meninges protrude from a spinal opening; and
- spina bifida occulta, the mildest form, in which one or more vertebrae are malformed and covered by a layer of skin. SB may also cause bowel and bladder complications, and many children with SB have hydrocephalus (excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain).
Spina Bifida Causes
The exact cause of spina bifida remains a mystery. No one knows what disrupts complete closure of the neural tube, causing a malformation to develop. Scientists suspect genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors play a role. Research studies indicate that insufficient intake of folic acid?a common B vitamin?in the mother's diet is a key factor in causing spina bifida and other neural tube defects. Prenatal vitamins that are prescribed for the pregnant mother typically contain folic acid as well as other vitamins.
Although the exact cause in many spina bifida cases is unknown, there are other risk factor and pharmaceutal drugs that can greatly increase the chance of having a child with spina bifida. One such drug is Depakote. This anti seizure, depression and migrane headache medicine has been shown through medical studies to greatly increase the risk of child being born with spina bifida. In fact Abbott Labs, the maker of Depakote finally in 2005 published BLACK BOX warnings about taking Depakote while pregnant, and then later in 2009, even more damning studies linking depakote use to increased risk of spina bifida were published and more spina bifida label changes and warning came about. see: FDA Depakote Spina Bifida Warning - 2009
Treatment Options of a Child with Spina Bifida
There is no cure for SB because the nerve tissue cannot be replaced or repaired. Treatment for the variety of effects of SB may include surgery, medication, and physiotherapy. Many individuals with SB will need assistive devices such as braces, crutches, or wheelchairs. Ongoing therapy, medical care, and/or surgical treatments may be necessary to prevent and manage complications throughout the individual's life. Surgery to close the newborn's spinal opening is generally performed within 24 hours after birth to minimize the risk of infection and to preserve existing function in the spinal cord.
Depakote Spina Bifida Lawsuit - Talk to a Depakote Attorney
If your child was born with spina bifida or other skeletal or growth retardation it may have resulted from of Depakote being taken during pregnancy. Call and talk to Depakote law firm that has represented thousands of clients over the last 25+ years and understands drug litigation.
Call for a Free & Confidential Depakote Lawsuit Evaluation. Talk to a Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer licensed in Texas and in New York with a National Presence. All cases are taken on a contingency fee basis and the client is never charged an attorney fee or any legal case expenses unless a recovery is obtained. We are handling a large number of Depakote birth defect cases throughout the United States and we understand the dangerous nature of Depakote and potential birth defects defect.
Depakote Spina Bifida Lawsuit
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