Tag: babies

Cleft Lip Possible side-Effect of Common Migraine Treatment

Each person may have a different reaction to certain migraine triggers , leading them to seek relief. There are many common factors that could lead to severe migraines. Many people turn to Topamax, a popular prescription drug, because of its effectiveness in fighting off the worst of migraine symptoms. Pregnant women, however, may need to seek an alternative means to fight the pain. Topamax has been shown to cause birth injuries like cleft lip and cleft palate in new born babies when taken during pregnancy.

What Causes Migraines?

new jersey philadelphia birth injury atorneys Cleft Lip side effect migrainesThere is a wide spectrum of migraines causes. Irregular eating patterns, skipping out on meals, eating too many sweets or starchy foods, caffeine in excess, and other dietary factors could lead to these debilitating headaches. Sleeping patterns also play a role in the onset of migraines. Too much or too little sleep could lead to migraines, as well as other varying sleep disturbances. Extreme emotional highs and lows are also dangerous. Excitement, anxiety, fear, anger, and stress all could lead to problems. Food additives and alcohol, such as wine, liquor, and beer could affect the body adversely leading to potential migraine threats.

Strong environmental changes or issues may also be detrimental to people’s health. Sudden weather changes, bright or glaring lights, loud and obnoxious noises, and strong smells could aggravate the human body, inducing a headache. Finally, changes in hormones are a final cause of migraines. Oral contraceptives, estrogen replacements, and menstruation could have adverse affects on the body leading to migraine pain. Although many of these causes will lead to migraines, it is important for women to find a safe medication for relief. Topamax may lead to cleft lip in babies when taken during pregnancy; therefore, women should be extremely cautious when finding a suitable drug.

Birth Injuries Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was born with a birth defect, such as cleft lip or cleft palate, it is likely that you will have some questions regarding your use of Topamax during pregnancy. Please contact the Mininno Law Office with any questions or for a free case evaluation or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Birth Injury Reduction Earns Award for Texas Medical Network

new jersey philadelphia birth injury attorneys award texas medical networkThe state of Texas has recently awarded Seton Hospitals with the first annual “Quality Award” for their extremely successful push to reduce birth injuries. Seton was the only hospital in the state to receive the award.

The Texas Health and Human Services Commission presented Seton with the award after the family of hospitals reported the lowest birth injury rate in the nation. Seton stated that their efforts to reduce birth trauma included limited use of forceps and vacuum extractors, as well as limiting elective inductions before 39 weeks.

In 2003, Seton Hospitals reported 3 birth injuries per 1,000 live births. In 2007, the rate had fallen to .2 birth injuries per 1,000 live births. The commission confirms that Seton’s success continues.

Health and Human Services Commissioner Thomas Suehs (left) commented on Seton and their accomplishment:

“We’re proud to recognize Seton for this accomplishment because it shows how good medicine is also good public policy. This initiative leads to healthier babies, and it also saves money for taxpayers by reducing the number of Medicaid births with complications.”

Of the award, commission spokeswoman Stephanie Goodman said:

“It’s a way for us to highlight best practices that we’d like to see replicated across the state.”

Birth Injury Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child is a victim of a birth injury that you believe was caused by medical malpractice or delivery room negligence, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. If you have any questions regarding your legal rights, feel free to call (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.