According to data from a new study on the effects of astrocytes after an epileptic seizure, researchers found that astrocytes benefit the glial cells, which could reduce long-term brain damage from seizures.

The study, which was published in the journal Experimental Neurology, found that after an epileptic seizure, nerve cells are damaged — and occasionally that damage is permanent. The glia is basically a class of cells that surround the brain’s neurons. It is seen as the contributing factor in the brain’s damage suffered after a seizure. However, the researchers for this study learned that it is actually the opposite of that. The research team, made up of Prof. Dr. Carola Haas from the Bernstein Center and Dr. Matthias Kirsch from the Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology at the University of Freiburg, has learned the real benefits of astrocytes, which are a specific type of glial cells.

Astrocytes basically hold the nerve cells together and give them the nutrients needed to stay healthy. What this means is that the astrocytes lessen the damage on a long-term basis that is generally caused by epileptic fits. While the study was conducted on mice, it did show the benefits of the astrocytes. However, it should be noted that more studies need to be conducted to confirm these results. Still, this study could be the first step in helping epileptic patients lower the amount of damaged brain cells achieved after seizures.

Seizures are hard enough for patients to live with without having the added stress of knowing that the brain’s cells are being damaged with each one. Some medications are used as a means of controlling the number of seizures patients suffer from, which in turn also helps reduce the amount of damage sustained by the patient. One of those anti-seizure medications is Topamax. But Topamax has been linked to birth defects in babies born to mothers who use the drug while pregnant. Some of those birth defects include PPHN, oral clefts, neural tube defects and spina bifida.

If your baby was born with birth defects after in-utero exposure to Topamax, contact attorney Greg Jones today for a free consultation. I am experienced at fighting Topamax lawsuits and may be able to help you recover money for your child’s injuries.