What is Spina Bifida?
Spina bifida is a member of a group of congenital (present at birth) defects known as neural tube defects (NTDs). The neural tube is the embryonic part of the body that over time becomes the infant’s brain and spinal cord, as well as the tissues which encompass them.
Typically, the neural tube develops at the beginning of pregnancy and is closed by the 28th day following conception. Infants with spina bifida suffer from a part of the neural tube failing to close or develop correctly which causes birth defects of the bones in the backbone and spinal cord.
Spina bifida is present in multiple different forms. Treatment for spina bifida typically involves surgery. However, in some cases, even multiple surgeries aren’t enough to repair the damaging effects of spina bifida. Recent research conducted by the National Birth Defects Prevention Study claim that there is an increased risk of babies developing spina bifida when the pregnant mother takes the antidepressant Effexor during all or part of pregnancy.
Spina Bifida Symptoms
Some potential symptoms of spina bifida may include:
- Muscle deterioration, sometimes leading to paralysis
- Bladder and bowel trouble
- Seizures
- Collection of fat
- Dimple or birthmark
- Discoloration of the skin
- Bone problems like uneven hips, curved spine, and/or deformed feet
About Effexor
Effexor (Venlafaxine) was introduced to the market in 1994. It is considered a Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Effexor is typically used to treat major anxiety disorders and depression. There is not a lot of information presently available about the side effects and complications of Effexor other than that it is a Pregnancy Category C drug, as noted by the Food and Drug Administration. Class C category drugs have shown adverse effects in clinical trials with animals, but there is presently not enough evidence from human trials. This could mean that there simply have not been any human tests, or that the tests have not shown adequate evidence.
Effexor Spina Bifida Lawsuit: Speak to an Attorney
Many new parents ask themselves what was the cause of my child’s birth defects? Did it happen during pregnancy? The antidepressant Effexor may be linked to causing the development of birth defects in unborn babies, infants, and children when their mothers took antidepressants while pregnant.
Our law firm is handling individual birth defect lawsuits against drug and pharmaceutical companies and currently accepting new Effexor cases across the nation. If your child was born with a birth injury that you believe may have been caused by taking an antidepressant like Effexor during pregnancy, then you should contact our law firm as soon as possible for a free confidential review of your potential birth defect lawsuit case. All cases are handled on a Contingency Fee Basis (no attorney’s fees or expenses charged unless we recover for you).