cleft lip Archives - Page 3 of 7 - New Jersey Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Birth Defects Attorneys Discuss Cleft Palate Surgery Risks

The decision to allow your child to undergo a cleft palate surgery is extremely personal and should be made with the consultation of your child’s doctors. The experienced birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office would like to inform you of some possible risks associated with cleft lip/palate surgeries in order to make you more informed about your choices. It is important to remember that cleft lip/palates can be corrected through surgery and it may be the best choice for your child’s health and well being.

There are some risks associated with cleft lip/palate surgery that the birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office think you should know about before surgery. A good surgeon will discuss these risks with you before surgery, but educating yourself is essential. It is possible for there to be bleeding and infection. In some cases, poor or irregular healing of incisions may take place, which may create a puckering effect. There are anesthesia risks that you should discuss also. More seriously, there is the possibility of damaging deeper structures, such as nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and lungs, which can be temporary or permanent.

Ultimately, it is essentially to discuss the risks and benefits of surgery with your child’s care team. Usually, a cleft lip/palate can be corrected and your child can live a happy life, free of oral malformations. However, the possibility of risks is a reality.

Birth Defects Attorneys of New Jersey and Philadelphia

Many people that have children with a cleft lip or cleft palate birth defect have questions about their legal rights. In many situations, there is little that can be done because the birth defect is genetic or caused by environmental factors. However, the FDA has recently announced that Topamax (Topiramate) has increased the likelihood of the development of a cleft lip/palate. If you believe that Topamax may have contributed to your child’s cleft palate act now and contact the Mininno Law Office birth defects attorneys for a free case evaluation. You may also call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Birth Defect Attorneys – Topamax Could be a Leading Cause of Cleft Lip

Topamax is a popular prescription drug, used to help prevent epileptic seizures and migraine headaches. Birth defect attorneys have recently discovered, via an issued warning from the FDA, that Topamax use during pregnancy may cause oral malformations, such as a cleft lip or cleft palate, in newborn children. The formation of a cleft lip forces a young child to undergo surgery (or surgeries) within the first three months of birth in order to repair the cleft or clefts. Cleft lip can have many damaging consequences on both the baby and the mother, which is why it’s essential to fix the problem as soon as possible. Birth defect attorneys recommend that mother’s seek medical assistance as soon as possible and avoid the use of Topamax during pregnancy.

Post Childbirth Surgery

The recommended age for cleft lip or cleft palate correction surgery is generally ten weeks following birth. Two surgeons, Wilhelmmesen and Musgrave, coined the “rule of ten”, calling for children suffering from cleft lip to be at least ten weeks old, weigh ten pounds, and have at least 10g hemoglobin before an operation.

Birth defect attorneys have learned that children suffering from a bilateral cleft may need to undergo two surgeries to close each side separately. Also, children who have an incomplete cleft lip may be required to have the same exact procedure as those with a complete cleft. Although mothers may dread the thought of subjecting their baby to surgery at such a young age, it is usually the only logical route to take. Those babies who have the surgery within 2-3 months following birth are likely to fully recover and have a minimally noticeable scar. Birth defect attorneys and medical professionals alike stress the importance of mothers meeting with both medical experts and family members to choose a plan that works best for them and their child. Although potentially scary and nerve-racking, birth defects, such as cleft lip and cleft palate, can be easily treated, allowing kids to lead perfectly normal and happy lives.

Birth Defect Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was born with a cleft lip or cleft palate birth defect, and you believe it is attributable to your use of Topamax during pregnancy, you probably have some questions for a birth defects attorney. Please contact the Mininno Law Office 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 Defects Attorneys Give Pre-Operative Cleft Palate Tips

Our birth defects attorneys would like to present some information about treatment of your child’s cleft palate before the performance of surgery to correct the issue. Often times, children with oral clefts and malformations will have breathing difficulties because a cleft palate can obstruct the airway. This is frightening, and in some very rare emergency cases, a tracheotomy is necessary. However, in most cases, when correct and adequate breathing is compromised, oxygen can be provided through tubes to the child. Additionally, because of the difficulty involved with sucking and swallowing, special feeding techniques will be necessary. Because this makes the acquisition of nutrients harder than usual, it his important to monitor the nutrition and hydration levels of children suffering from these facial birth defects.

In preparation for the surgery that will attempt to (and most often does) correct the cleft palate, a child may have to wear dental supports immediately after birth or within the first two to three weeks. The function of these supports, which are made from plastic or metal molds, is to reshape an infant’s tissues. Ultimately, the end goal is a surgical correction and these tips help make that possible.

Birth Defects Attorneys of New Jersey and Philadelphia

Many people who have a child with a cleft lip/palate ask themselves what caused it. More often than not, the answer to this question doesn’t have an exact answer. However, the FDA recently announced that the drug Topamax (topiramate) has been linked to an increase in the development of a cleft palate/lip. It is important to contact our experienced professionals now in order to protect your legal rights. Do not hesitate to contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation in New Jersey at (856) 833-0600, and in Philadelphia at (215) 567-2380.

Birth Defects Attorneys Remind You About Success Stories

Our caring and experienced birth defects attorneys would like to remind parents of children with a cleft palate/lip birth defect that there is hope available. When you first learn of your baby’s diagnosis, several emotions hit all at once, including shock, disappointment, sadness, and anxiety. Of course, these are all reasonable emotions to experience, but it is important to remember that there are correct procedures for your baby, and he will live a happy and fulfilling life. The option of surgery is effective, and a search through internet resources will reveal many different success stories of corrected cleft palates. These children had their clefts corrected and now are living a normal life. Keep these success stories in mind while you provide for your child and his needs.

Sometimes parents ask what caused their baby to develop a cleft palate. In many cases the answer is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to say. There are many different environmental factors that can lead to the development of a cleft palate. However, in some cases, there may a clear indication of what caused the cleft palate. For example, the FDA recently announced that the drug Topamax (topiramate) has been linked to an increase in the development of cleft lip/palates. If you believe that this drug was a contributing factor in the development of your child’s cleft lip/palate you may have questions regarding your legal rights, especially if you are grappling with the expensive costs of treatment.

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

Surgery is most effective the earlier it is preformed, thus contacting experienced birth defects attorneys quickly is beneficial to you. You have every reason to contact the Mininno Law Office to receive a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation in New Jersey (856) 833-0600 and in Philadelphia (215) 567-2380. There is no upfront cost to meet with our experienced birth defects attorneys, so please do not hesitate.

Birth Defect Attorneys – Cleft Lip Leads to Dental Problems

We know that young children who suffer from cleft lip and cleft palate may face dental problems down the road. In particular, children who suffer from birth defects may be at risk for a significantly higher number of cavities due to their cleft lip or cleft palate. Children may also have extra, missing, malformed, or displaced teeth due to this. Birth defect attorneys advise that children who have teeth that require additional attention should seek dental and orthodontic consultations and treatment as soon as possible. Cleft lip and cleft palate can have dramatic ramifications on many parts of a young child’s life and it is important to address oral issues, including those dealing with teeth, as soon as possible.

Alveolar Ridge Defect may Accompany Cleft Palate

new jersey philadelphia Birth Defect Attorneys cleft lip dental problems Many young children who suffer from a cleft palate may also have a alveolar ridge defect. The alveolus is the upper gum where the teeth are located. Defects in the alveous are not uncommon in young children who suffer from birth defects such as cleft palate. These defects in the upper gum may first displace or rotate the permanent teeth that have grown in. Secondly, in young children, these defects may prevent the adult or permanent teeth from descending and appearing. Finally, we say that this sort of defect may also prevent the alveolar ridge from properly forming. These can develop into serious problems for children and parents should seek dental consultation as soon as possible. Fortunately, we know that these problems are fairly common and can generally be fixed through some form of oral surgery. Following surgery, the young child will be able to show off a beautiful smile without any displacement or rotation of the teeth.

Birth Defect Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was born with a birth defect, such as cleft lip or cleft palate, that you believe is attributable to your use of Topamax during pregnancy, it is possible that you have some questions for our professionals. Please contact the Mininno Law Office 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 Defects Attorneys Advise Mothers on Topamax Use

After the recent announcement by the FDA, Topamax (topiramate) labels are being updated to include the increased risk (twenty-one times the normal rate) of your newborn baby being born with a cleft palate or lip. If you are currently pregnant and taking Topamax, this news should cause alarm, of course. However, it is important to consult with your medical professional before making any decisions regarding your prescription drug regimen. There are negative consequences associated with discontinuing the use of Topamax abruptly, which is why a medical practitioner should be consulted first. We want you to be as safe as possible, and be informed about you and your child’s health.

With this in mind, it usually behooves women to discontinue use of Topamax, under medical care, if they are of child bearing age, or are pregnant. There are still legitimate uses for Topamax, including prevention of seizures and migraine headaches, but the potential side effects need to be seriously considered. If your child was born with a cleft palate or lip, it may negatively affect her health and wellbeing, so do not hesitate to contact the experienced birth defects attorneys at the Mininno Law Offices.

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was born with a cleft lip or palate birth defect, that you believe can be attributed to your use of Topamax before or during pregnancy, you will want to speak with one of our professionals. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.
It is important to have experienced birth defects attorneys on your side because they can provide financial assistance that could help your child immensely.

Birth Defects Attorneys Supporting Children With Cleft Palates

It is now possible for medical practitioners to discover, before your child is born, if a cleft palate or lip will develop. Knowing that your baby will be born with a cleft palate/lip may come as a total shock and surprise. You may fear for his/her development and future. It is important to keep things in perspective, and realize that while this is definitely serious, this birth defect is treatable. Take a deep breath and realize that there is support out there for you, and that support includes our experienced birth defects attorneys.

Many parents ask, “What did I do wrong that allowed my child to develop this deformity and birth defect?” This type of thinking is counter-productive, as there are a whole host of different variables that affect the development of your baby. Certain medicines can cause cleft lips/palates. For example, the FDA has recently announced that Topamax (topirmate) has been linked to an increase of cleft palate/lip development by twenty-one times the normal rate. If you took Topamax while pregnant, or before pregnancy, you should seriously consider contacting the experienced our birth defects professionals.

Birth Defects Attorneys of New Jersey and Philadelphia.

If your child was born with a cleft palate or lip, that you believe can be attributed to your use of Topamax during pregnancy, you should not hestitate to contact our attorneys. Please contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.
We work on a contingency basis, meaning that we do not get paid until you get paid. Let us work to get the relief your family deserves.

Birth Defects Attorneys Urge You to Know the Side Effects of Your Drugs

Our birth defects attorneys have been contacted by many parents with children born with cleft lips and palates. Many of these mothers have taken Topamax (topiramate) for various reasons. One reason that Topamax is taken is for migraine headaches. If you have ever experienced a migraine headache you can attest to the fact that the pain and discomfort can be almost unbearable. However, it is extremely important to know what the side effects of the drugs you take are, especially if you are of child bearing age, or are pregnant.

Most of the time, drug side effects are published when the drug is released so that doctors and patients can consider them. However, some drugs, like Topamax, have had significant side effects discovered after they had been on the market for a considerable amount of time. It has recently been announced by the FDA that Topamax increases the likelihood that your child will develop a cleft palate birth defect in utero by over twenty-one times the normal rate. The birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office suggest thorough research on any drug you may take, especially during pregnancy, and consultation with medical personnel to determine the right medications for you.

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was born with a cleft lip or palate you may be asking yourself if legal representation is necessary. The answer certainly depends on your individual circumstances. If you believe that Topamax may have been linked to the development of your child’s birth defect, do not hesitate to contact the Mininno Law Office for a free consultation and case evaluation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.
Our birth defects attorneys have your interest at heart, and can provide financial remedies that will make dealing with your child’s cleft lip/palate easier.

Birth Defects Attorneys: Topamax Dangerous for Pregnant Women

In recent years, Topamax has been among industry leaders in treating epilepsy and migraine headaches. Although extremely popular, recent research has shown that this drug may cause birth defects, such as cleft lip and cleft palate, in young babies. Birth defects attorneys strongly urge women to avoid the use of Topamax during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester, in an attempt to limit the risk of birth injuries.

Food and Drug Administration Acknowledges the Serious Dangers

In early March 2011, the FDA issued an alert regarding the dangerous risks of certain oral defects that may derive from the use of Topamax during pregnancy. Additional warning labels have also been added to the Topamax bottle. The Food and Drug Administration has also upgraded Topamax to a Class D pregnancy drug. The significance of this change is that as a Class D drug, Topamax can “potentially present significant and unnecessary harm to a human fetus“. Birth defects lawyers believe that cleft lip and cleft palate occur more frequently when a fetus is exposed to Topamax during gestation.

The Food and Drug Administration has said that Topamax should never be prescribed for women who are pregnant unless it is a life or death situation. Unless the situation is truly life threatening, or similar drugs have been deemed completely ineffective, women should avoid the use of Topamax. These findings came from numerous studies performed by the North American Anti-epileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry. Although Topamax has been popular and an industry leader for effectiveness, birth defect lawyers say pregnant women need to consider the vast risks to their baby before consuming the prescription drug.

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was born with an oral malformation that you believe can be attributed to your use of Topamax during pregnancy, it is possible that you would like to speak with a birth defect lawyer. Please contact the Mininno Law Office 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 Defects Attorneys with Post-Op Concerns for Cleft Palate/Lip Surgery

new jersey philadelphia birth defects attorneys post-op concerns cleft lip surgery The birth defects attorneys of the Mininno Law Office would like to share some important post-operative tips for caring for your child after his or her surgery. After the surgery, your child’s mouth will need to fully heal. For a young child, this time can be difficult for both himself and his parents, as children tend to want to put whatever they want into their mouths. Many parents choose to use use arm restraints, or “no-no’s,” to prevent their child from putting fingers or toys into their mouths, thereby damaging the repair. This may seem cruel, but this may be necessary to allow the surgery to fully correct the issue.

Additionally, your child’s diet should be limited to liquids and soft foods that don’t require chewing. The use of bottles and sippy-cups should be limited too, because the nipples can hit the palate and cause damage to the work done during the surgery. Spoons and other utensils should be avoided for the same reason. A normal diet can most likely be resumed in two weeks time, depending, of course, on the extent of the surgery. Oral hygiene is also a concern, and parents should rinse the mouth with clean water. Tooth brushing, carefully, may resume in about a weeks time, and hydrogen peroxide should be avoided because it may inhibit healing.

Birth Defects Attorneys In New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you’ve made it to this page, you’re most likely researching your child’s cleft lip/palate birth defect. You probably have questions about your legal rights as well. The FDA has recently announced that Topamax (Topiramate) has been linked to an increase in cleft lips/palates by 21 times the normal rate.
If you believe that your child’s cleft lip/palate has been affected by Topamax, do not hesitate to contact the Mininno Law Office to get help for your child. There is a general consensus that the sooner surgery is completed, the better it is for your child, so contact our fast-acting birth defects attorneys in New Jersey at (856) 833-0600 and in Philadelphia at (215) 567-2380 for a FREE case evaluation and consultation.