Anti-Seizure Medications Taken during Pregnancy Increase the Risk of Brain Impairments in Children

Certain anti-seizure medications taken during pregnancy can increase the risk of brain impairments seen in children. Researchers at the University of Birmingham in Australia found that brain development problems were higher among children born to mothers who used sodium valproate (VPA) throughout this time. 

Previous studies have shown that certain anti-seizure medications can increase the risk of autism, neurological disorders or cleft palate. Now researchers are warning mothers-to-be to stay off of or switch to other treatments that could have less harmful effects.

For their research, the study authors compared the high resolution brain scans of 7-year-olds whose mothers had taken VPA during pregnancy to those who had not.

They found that mothers who used this class of anti-seizure medication had an increased cortical thickness in the left inferior frontal gyrus and left inferior frontal gyrus and left pericalcarine sulcus. Moreover, brain areas dedicated to language development were sometimes absent.

"This is only a small group, but nonetheless it represents an important first step in understanding how taking VPA during pregnancy might effect a child's brain development," said Dr. Amanda Wood of the university, in a news release. "VPA remains an important medication for people with epilepsy. What this study really tells us is that further research is required so that all women with epilepsy can make informed decisions about their medication use during pregnancy."

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology.