What is Anencephaly?

Since the beginning of this year, health officials and investigators in Central Washington have reached out to mothers who have carried babies that were born with a rare birth defect called Anencephaly. A sharp increase in this kind of birth defect is the reason for the investigation. In all, about 50 women are expected to be interviewed to find out who is at fault for their birth defect.

What is Anencephaly?

Babies born with anencephaly have an absence of a large portion of their brain, skull and scalp. This happens because the neural tube fails to close during early pregnancy, which is critical in the formation of the brain and spinal cord. As such, this condition is a fatal birth defect. Babies are often stillborn or die within a few hours. Sadly, there is no known cure for anencephaly.

What Causes Anencephaly?

Anencephaly can be caused by environmental factors or by certain medications. Pesticides, solvents, fertility drugs, SSRI antidepressants and epilepsy medications are common culprits for this horrific birth defect. Medications that have been linked to anencephaly include but are not limited to:

  • Celexa
  • Clomid
  • Lexapro
  • Paxil
  • Zoloft

If you think that any of these medications, or other medications, could be the cause for your child’s fatal birth defect, then you have the legal right to file a lawsuit. A settlement cannot replace the loss of a child, but it can punish those at fault and allow you some damages for the lifetime of psychological trauma caused by the negligence of a healthcare or pharmaceutical provider.

See how Farrell & Patel helps families that have been affected by birth defects by visiting our Twitter and Facebook pages.

[Did You Know? The Anencephaly rate in Central Washington is 5 times higher than the national average.]

Farrell & Patel – Birth Injury Lawyers

Source: http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/fatal-birth-defect-stalks-3-central-wash-counties/