Cleft Lip and Topamax Migraine Treatment May Be Linked

Migraines bring agony and pain to those who battle with these extreme headaches. It is essential for sufferers to find an effective remedy, and for many, this remedy is Topamax.
Topamax has been among industry leaders in effectiveness as well as customer satisfaction. The problem with the pharmaceutical drug is that it has been linked with birth defects, such as cleft lip and cleft palate, when taken by women throughout their pregnancy.

Migraine Troubles Last beyond the Headache

new jersey philadelphia birth injury attorneys Cleft Lip migraineAfter the excruciating pain that accompanies a migraines, victims wish to get back to their normal daily activities. Migraine symptoms, however, are not that understanding. The symptoms following a migraine headache can last a full twenty four hours after the migraine has subsided. A mild form of the headache can linger on for this time period, making it difficult to function. Many people also deal with extreme fatigue.

Migraines formulate with the excitement of nerve cells in the brain. These cells then release impulses to the brain’s blood vessels. Released from these nerves are substances causing inflammation and swelling of the vessels. As the blood vessels become enlarged, the pain and throbbing of a migraine begins. This is only the start of migraine symptoms which can remain for an entire day following the end of the headache, causing people to search for a viable solution. Many people find relief through Topamax, but with recent data showing the potential for birth defects, such as cleft lip, pregnant women should beware.

Birth Injuries Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was born with a birth defect, such as cleft lip or cleft palate, and you believe the defect may be attributed to your use of Topamax, you probably have some questions. 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.

Nursing Home Abuse at Avista Healthcare in Cherry Hill, New Jersey

As attorneys representing clients from New Jersey and Philadelphia that have been victims of nursing home abuse and neglect, it is important that we continue to expose those nursing homes that are not performing to the average nationwide standards according to Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare System.
Today we will discuss a nursing home that is located in Camden County, New Jersey. Although this nursing home has not been cited for neglect in the form of bed sore acquirement and treatment issues, like many others, it has many of its own deficiencies according to the New Jersey Division of Health Facilities Evaluation and Licensing.

Avista Healthcare Offers Less Than Adequate Care

new jersey philadelphia nursing home abuse lawyers Avista Healthcare Cherry HillThe Avista Healthcare nursing home, located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey was routinely inspected twice between December 2008 and November 2010. During this time period, 10 separate deficiencies were cited. The nursing home was cited for failing to properly procure and serve food in a sanitary manner. As we have often highlighted in our previous posts, proper nutrition is imperative for good health and bedsore prevention in nursing home patients.

Avista Healthcare nursing home was also inspected seven times for complaints, and cited for five additional deficiencies during these inspections. Failure to be free from hazards and failure to properly implement abuse/neglect policies were among other citations imposed during these inspections. According to the Medicare inspectors, Avista Healthcare nursing home, a for-profit, corporately owned nursing home, was given an overall rating of 1 out of 5 stars. This indicates that the 146 long term bed facility is considered to function in a well below average capacity. A nursing home with this type of overall rating is ripe for cases of abuse and neglect, from accidents to bedsores. It is important that anyone with a loved one in a nursing home with this reputation be watched carefully!

Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is a resident at a nursing home or similar type facility, and you believe that the care they are receiving may actually be detrimental to their health and quality of life, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also with any questions for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.
Let the nursing home abuse attorneys at the Mininno Law Office help you protect the best interests of your loved one.

Bed Sore Lawyers: Nutrition is Important to Bed Sore Prevention

As New Jersey and Philadelphia bed sore lawyers that are experts in nursing home abuse and neglect cases, it is important for us to remind readers of the dangers of bedsores and how nursing home abuse and neglect can lead to their formation. A patient being given appropriate nursing home care should not be one that acquires bed sores or pressure ulcers. We have already discussed the importance of proper repositioning and skin treatment to help prevent bed sores from forming. Today, we are going to remind everyone how important proper nutrition is to bedsore prevention.

Proper Nutrition Can Help Prevent Bedsores

new jersey philadelphia bed sores attorneys nutrition important preventionIt is much easier to prevent bed sores and pressure ulcers from forming than it is to treat them once they occur. Therefore, it is important for nursing homes and caregivers to be vigilant in their care. One important strategy as this nootropics blog explains, is for nursing homes to make sure their patients are being given the proper nutrition. The patient’s diet should be assessed and changes made, if necessary, to make sure the nursing home is providing the proper nutrition. Based on the patient’s current nutrition needs, it may be necessary to raise the patient’s caloric intake. Having the proper amount of protein, vitamins, and minerals is also imperative. Sometimes, supplements are necessary.

Often, vitamin C and Zinc supplements are necessary. For those patients that are unable to properly feed themselves due to decreased mobility, physical assistance with feeding may also be needed. A plan of proper nutrition should be put in place by the nursing home staff for each individual patient. In many nursing homes with hundreds of beds, this can be overlooked. Improper nutrition being available is itself tantamount to nursing home abuse and neglect, and it can also lead to the acquirement of painful and sometimes deadly bed sores and pressure ulcers. As we always indicate, prevention is the best treatment for bed sores. Nursing homes and loved ones must do what is necessary to prevent the formation of bed sores so that treatment is never necessary!

Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is currently a resident at a nursing home and you believe the care they are receiving may be considered abusive or negligent, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call with any questions for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Cleft lip: a potential side effect of the popular drug Topamax

Anyone who has experienced a severe migraine headache understands how painful and disruptive they can be. Topamax, a widely heralded consumer drug, is among the industry leaders in fighting off the detrimental effects of migraines. With the use of Topamax, there also may be further danger for women who used the drug during pregnancy. Cleft lip and cleft palate are birth defects which have been linked to the use of the pharmaceutical drug during pregnancy.

Symptoms during Migraines Can Last up to 72 Hours!

new jersey philadelphia birth injury attorneys Cleft Lip palata topamaxPregnant women should be cautious about the use of Topamax during pregnancy even though the drug has a strong success rate in treating migraines. The harsh symptoms of migraines can last for extended periods of time and women should understand the potential effects. Headaches bring with them throbbing pain which makes it extremely difficult to function never mind complete regular daily activities. Nausea and vomiting are also common experiences of people during a migraine and can make for extreme discomfort and additional pain. Finally, strong sensitivity to sounds and light generally accompany migraine headaches which makes it very difficult to move. Many people choose to remain in dark and quiet rooms during these extreme headaches in an effort to reduce the persistence of discomfort. Over ninety percent of patients experiencing migraines reported functional impairment. This statistic shows that when a migraine strikes, it may be very difficult to carry on with activities normally. Although migraines can be agonizing and traumatic, women should carefully choose medication during pregnancy to avoid potential dangers, such as cleft lip, to their baby.

Birth Defects Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was born with cleft lip or other similar birth defects, it is possible that you have questions regarding your use of Topamax during pregnancy. 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.

Cleft Lip: Severe Migraines Call for Topamax

The Food and Drug Administration has recently shown its concern for patients taking Topamax for severe migraine pain. The widely used drug has shown it may cause birth defects, such as cleft lip and cleft palate, when the medication is used during the first trimester of pregnancy. Migraines can be extremely painful and research has shown that women are more prone to them than men. It is important that pregnant women monitor the types of medications they intake during pregnancy, especially if they are suffering from migraines, to avoid potential harm to their unborn child.

Severe Migraine Symptoms: Leading up to a Headache

new jersey philadelphia birth defects attorneys Cleft Lip cleft palate topamax migrainesMigraines can be detrimental to many people, especially when they strike suddenly. A recent study on headaches had staggering results; more than half of the people surveyed reported that their functionality was cut in half with regards to school and work productivity. Topamax is a popular and effective drug in treating migraines, but it should not be taken by women during pregnancy. Symptoms leading up to a migraine may last up to ten hours. Sudden mood changes may be a sign that a migraine is on the horizon and medication, such as Topamax, may be necessary. Repeated yawning and tiredness are more signals of a future migraine. When on your feet, a lack of balance, stability, and unsteadiness are likely to occur. Finally, an unexpected craving for sweets may seem natural, but also may foreshadow a migraine to come. The exact cause of migraines is not known, but once warning signs begin to arise, it is important that people are prepared. Topamax is a leading medication used to treat migraines, but this may not be the optimal choice for expectant mothers.

Cleft Lip Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you were recently pregnant and your newborn suffers from a birth defect, it is likely that you may have some questions. If you believe that your use of Topamax during pregnancy may have led to cleft lip or cleft palate in your child, 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.

Lawyers Promote Skincare As Bedsore Prevention

Studies show that bed sore prevention is easier than bed sore treatment. Therefore, as New Jersey and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania attorneys specializing in nursing home abuse and neglect cases, of which bed sores are a clear sign, it is important to remind everyone of important tips to prevent them. We have previously discussed the importance of repositioning. Today we are going to focus on another important area that nursing homes must be aware of to help prevent bed sores and/or pressure ulcers from forming. Nursing homes must make sure that they take special care of patients’ skin.

Skincare Supremely Important to Bedsore Prevention

new jersey philadelphia nursing home negligence attorneys skincare bedsore preventionBoth the protection and the monitoring of the patient’s skin is imperative to prevent pressure sores from forming, and to identify their stages early before they have a chance to worsen. One of the important steps nursing homes must be taking is the proper bathing of the skin. Only mild soap and warm water should be used, and he skin should only be gently patted dry. Harsh cleansers are not necessary, nor is harsh rubbing with towels. Talcum Powder should be used on skin that is more likely to retain moisture, and dry skin should be properly moisturized. One of the most important things nursing homes must do is to properly inspect the skin of patients that are most susceptible to acquiring bed sores. These are the patients that are bed ridden or wheel chair bound.

Lastly, those patients that are prone to incontinence must be especially monitored. The nursing home must manage the incontinent patients to prevent moisture and bacterial exposure to the skin. To prevent nursing home abuse and neglect, the caregivers may have to frequently schedule assistance with urination and/or diaper changes. Also, the proper use of catheters or rectal tubes may also be needed. All of these tips should be followed by any nursing home to prevent pressure sores from forming or becoming worse. Proper skin care is one of the tools that should be implemented to prevent bed sores. As we always indicate, it is easier to prevent bed sores than treat them, so prevention is the best medicine!

Nursing Home Negligence Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your loved one is a resident at a nursing home or long term care facility and you are worried that the care they are receiving is inadequate or even abusive, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. Even if you simply have questions, you may call at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.
Let the nursing home abuse lawyers at the Mininno Law Office help you protect your loved one’s quality of life.

Birth Injury Attorneys Earn Large Verdict in New Jersey

The Jersey Journal reported yesterday on a birth injury settlement that took place in Bayonne, New Jersey. The settlement was for $8.5 million dollars and went to the Ordonez family, after negligence caused their son to be born with brain damage, and therefore suffer permanent disabilities.

The Ordonez’s Ordeal

new jersey philadelphia birth injury attorneys win large verdictAccording to Francis Dorrity, the Ordonez’s attorney, Emily was admitted to the Bayonne Medical Center at 1:30 am on August 15, 2005 with the beginning pains of labor. All tests showed a healthy baby. But at 9:32am, the machine monitoring the baby’s heart rate showed a rapid drop from 140 beats per minute to a dangerous 60 beats per minute.

Hospital phone records show that the the delivery room nurse waited nearly a half an hour before she called the attending obstetrician to alert him of the complication. The obstetrician arrived from Staten Island 22 minutes later and waited until 10:55am to perform the 4 minute emergency C-Section.

The babies heart rate fell because of umbilical cord compression, which caused the fetus to be denied adequate oxygen. José Ordonez, now 5, was born with permanent brain damage, leaving him blind, unable to walk or hold his head up, and prone to seizures. José feeds through a straw and will require round-the-clock care for the remainder of his life.

The settlement will provide $6 million dollars to José to pay for his life-long medical care, and $2.5 million will go to his parents for pain and suffering.

José now attends the Concordia Learning Center, and Dorrity says the staff there has helped him tremendously.

“Through their efforts and teaching at Concordia Learning Center this child has seen improvement in the way of cognition and recognition. He responds to voice and touching in ways he didn’t before.”

Birth Injury Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child was injured at birth and you now have questions regarding your legal rights, contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. You may also call at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia. Let the medical malpractice and birth injury attorneys answer any questions you may have.

Birth Injury Attorneys: Defining the Cleft Lip and its Causes

Topamax, the widely popular migraine and epilepsy medication, has raised eyebrows due to its connection with birth defects. Recent studies have shown that Topamax, when used by women during pregnancy, may lead to defects in new born children such as cleft lip or cleft palate. It is important for pregnant women to acknowledge these possible dangers and understand the risk to their babies.

What is a Cleft Lip and What Causes It?

new jersey philadelphia birth injury attorneys cleft lip causes efectCleft lip occurs when the developing tissue of the nose and upper jaw does not fuse normally resulting in a split in the lip. Cleft lip is treatable and generally does not cause health problems although in some more severe cases, children have difficulty feeding. The defect usually occurs on only one side of the upper lip, and very rarely in the lower lip. Cleft lip is visible at birth and beyond the noticeable physical appearance, there are usually no other symptoms.

The recent action by the Food and Drug Administration warns that Topamax could lead to an increased percentage of newly born children with cleft lip. Aside from Topamax, there are other genetic and environmental factors that could lead to an increased risk. People who were born with a cleft lip or cleft palate are more likely to have children with similar defects. Pregnant mothers can also put their unborn children in a significantly higher line of risk if they have been exposed to radiation or infections, used some illegal drugs, smoked during pregnancy, or drank alcohol.

Bitrh Injury Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If you were recently pregnant and your child was born with a birth defect, such as a cleft lip or cleft palate, it is likely that you have some questions. Please contact the Mininno Law Office with questions regarding these birth defects, or call for a free consultation at (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, or (215) 567-2380 in Philadelphia.

Cerebral Palsy Attorneys Win Large Verdict in New York State

In New York State, a tremendous verdict was awarded recently to a 24 year old woman who suffers from Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral Palsy Results After Prolonged Oxygen Deprivation

new jersey philadelphia cerebral palsy attorneys win big verdict new yorkTiffany Busone and her mother sued the Bellevue Maternity Hospital (now known as the Bellevue Women’s Center) for negligently delivering Tiffany on July 15th, 1984. Tiffany was deprived of oxygen for nearly 15 minutes while doctors failed to properly resuscitate her. She now suffers permanent brain damage because of it.

The Saratoga County, six member jury, made up of three men and three women, unianimously agreed to award Tiffany the $43.5 million dollar verdict. The money breaks down to $20 million for home health aides, $15 million for future pain and suffering, $6 million for past pain and suffering, and the remainder for medical expenses and loss of wages.

Tiffany will always require a wheel chair, home health aides, special medical equipment, and, despite her above average intelligence and bachelors degree from Arizona State University, will never be able to hold a job to support herself financially. Her lack of motor skills and permanent brain damage will render her unfit for the workforce.

This verdict will serve to support Tiffany and her mother, who cares for her, for the rest of Tiffany’s life.

Cerebral Palsy Attorneys in New Jersey and Philadelphia

If your child suffers from a birth injury or defect such as cerebral palsy, it may be due to medical malpractice or negligence. Contact the Mininno Law Office for a free case evaluation. The medical malpractice and cerebral palsy attorneys at the Mininno Law Office are here to answer any questions that you may have regarding your legal rights. You can also call 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.