According to InjuryBoard, neural tube birth defects have been linked to valporic acid or Depakote. Depakote or Valporic acid is used to treat certain types of seizures and has been prescribed to pregnant women during the first trimester of pregnancy. Depakote has been linked to various birth defects and the FDA has issued a warning to pregnant women who are being prescribed the medication.
Neural tube birth defects are a type of birth defect that occur early on during pregnancy, often during the first month after conception when the brain and spinal column are rapidly developing. There are several different brain and spinal cord problems that are classified as neural tube defects. Open neural tube defects occur when the brain or spinal cord is exposed to the outside world because of the failure or bones or skin to grow over the area. Closed neural tube defects are categorized if the skin has grown over the exposed part of the brain or spinal cord.
Doctors screen for neural tube defects during pregnancy with the use of an ultrasound and amniotic fluid testing. The FDA warns that there is an increased risk of neural tube birth defects following prenatal exposure to Depakote or Valporic acid. The agency warned health care professionals about prescribing medication containing valporic acid to pregnant women and has been working with the manufacturers to address label changes. Birth defects lawyers have followed FDA warnings about having healthcare professionals assist women in seeking alternative therapies and warning them to use valporate only if it is essential to their medical condition.
