According to recent research, patients who are eligible for epileptic surgery are generally not having the procedures done. This fact leaves many wondering why, when the surgery has proven to be safer than taking drugs like Topamax.
According to a Lancet study, British researchers monitored 615 patients for a year after they had the surgery, and the safety and efficacy of the surgery is astounding. However, many patients still don’t opt for the surgery over potentially dangerous drugs like Topamax. According to the study’s findings, “82 percent were seizure-free, 52 percent were seizure-free after five years and 47 percent had suffered no seizures in a decade.”
Dr. Joseph Sirven, professor and chairman of the department of neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, as well as the chairman of the Epilepsy Foundation’s Professional Advisory Board, says, “(The Lancet study) is an important study because it gives us a long-term view of the benefits of epilepsy surgery. The potential to cure epilepsy by surgery can have profound positive consequences on an individual’s life. It can literally give someone their life back.”
However, even with all of the proven benefits, many patients just don’t have the surgery, and this has some medical professionals wondering why. Various reasons were given as to why some patients would not opt for the surgery. Some of those reasons include the surgery’s cost and a patient’s lack of insurance coverage for the procedure. In addition, some doctors don’t realize a patient is eligible — so a simple lack of knowledge could be why. Lastly, patients may not be located in an area that offers the surgery.
With this kind of incredible surgery available, it’s hard to believe that patients would prefer to take drugs like Topamax instead — especially with the adverse side effects linked to them. For example, Topamax has long been linked with serious adverse side effects that have caused an uproar among people who use the drug, including women. Studies have shown that Topamax, when taken during pregnancy, can cause babies to be born with serious birth defects, including PPHN, cleft palate, neural tube defects and heart, lung and brain defects.
If your baby was born with birth defects after being exposed to Topamax, contact Greg Jones today for a free consultation. I am experienced at fighting Topamax lawsuits and may be able to get you compensated for your baby’s injuries.