Your child's spina bifida could be due to an SSRI.

Don't know what an SSRI is ? It stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. SSRI's are compounds used in medication for depression, anxiety, and some personality disorders. If you took an SSRI such as Zoloft®, Prozac®, Effexor®, or Celexa® whilst you were pregnant, then it could be the reason your child suffers from spina bifida. Fill out the form below to get contacted by a lawyer.

What is spina bifida and what causes it ?

Spina bifida is a developmental congenital disorder that is caused when the neural tube doesn't fuse properly. Some of the vertebrae don't close fully, and hence remain open. If this opening is large enough then what you get is the spinal cord protruding through it (the opening).

It is believed that a woman who takes SSRI's during pregnancy increases the chances of her child being born with spinal cord defects like spina bifida by 500% !

If you took an anti-depressant like Zoloft® whilst you were pregnant, and your child was born with a birth defect like spina bifida, you could be eligible for compensation.

There are four types of spina bifida;

• Spina bifida occulta
• • "Occulta" means "hidden" in Latin. This is the mildest of the four. Some of the outer sections of the vertebrae are not fully fused, and because the openings are so small, the spinal cord does not protrude.
• Spina bifida cystica
• • In this form of spina bifida, a cyst protrudes through the defect that exists in the vertebrae. Spina bifida cystica can lead to hydrocephalus.
• Meningocele
• • Also known as meningeal cyst, meningocele is the least common of spina bifida conditions. People with meningocele usually don't suffer from any lifelong health problems.
• Myelomeningocele
• • Save the worst for last. This is the more serious of all spina bifida conditions. The unfused part of the spinal column allows for the spinal cord to protrude, thus forming a sac.
  • Let's say the protrusion occurs near the neck. This means that the affected person will be partially paralysed from that point down(wards). Loss of sensation will also be experienced.
  • The vast majority of people with myelomeningocele will also have hyrocephalus. This occurs because the flow of cerebrospinal fluid is disrupted by the displaced cerebellum.

A number of individuals with spina bifida (especially myelomeningocele) will also have what is known as the Arnold Chiari II malformation, and abnormality of the cerebellum. The back portion of the brain is moved to the upper neck.

How do you prevent spina bifida ?

Consumption of folic acid before conception (ie. way before you even fall pregnant) seems to help prevent the occurence of spina bifida. Folic acid can be found in foods such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and dried beans.

Did you know that cleft lip and cleft palate were caused by anti-depressants like Zoloft ?