When dealing with the extensive symptoms of migraine headaches, people are often in search of an effective remedy to quickly relieve pain. Topamax has served as this type of solution for many people and data has shown it has worked extremely well. Although Topamax is among the industry leaders of migraine and epilepsy medications, pregnant women should steer clear. Topamax use during pregnancy could lead to birth defects, such as cleft lip and cleft palate. Beyond this obvious physical oral malformation, children with birth defects may experience social issues for years to come.
Social Issues are more likely with Birth Defects
Psychosocial problems are not a definite side effect of birth defects and generally, when children have their cleft lip operated upon soon after birth they will have a strong recovery and a healthy social life. The risk in adolescents is far greater when they suffer from birth defects and this may lead to self-esteem, social, and behavioral issues. As children grow older, dealing with a cleft lip may lead to issues relating to self concept, relationships with their peers, and worries with their appearance. During the preschool years, ages three through five, children who have a cleft lip or cleft palate tend to be on par with peers without any oral malformations with regards to self-concept. As children grow older however, they may feel increased pressure and face more social issues. As children have increased interaction with other kids, children who have clefts tend to have more dissatisfaction with relationships with peers and have an increased level of social anxiety. With age, children will generally experience increased social anxiety and pressures with regards to their cleft. These visible deformities may yield a stigma and it is best to have birth defects treated as soon as possible in order to limit the social issues children face as they age.
Birth Defect Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia
If your child was born with a birth defect that you believe can be attributed to your use of Topamax during pregnancy it is likely that you 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.