Information provided by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine is suggesting that a protein that occurs naturally in the brain may act as a valium-like stopping mechanism for certain types of seizures. The results of this study was published in the journal Neuron.

The protein that is the focal point of this study is called a diazepam binding inhibitor (DBI). DBI basically soothes the rhythms of a key brain circuit and may be significant in helping scientists to create novel, and safer treatments for epilepsy as well as sleep disorders and anxiety with fewer side effects than the drugs that are currently being used.

“This is one of the most exciting findings we have had in many years,” said John Huguenard, Ph.D., professor of neurology and neurological sciences and the study’s senior author. “Our results show for the first time that a nucleus deep in the middle of the brain generates a small protein product, or peptide, that acts just like benzodiazepines.”

Valium is extremely addictive and was once an early treatment form for epilepsy, but the drug is not used for that much anymore due to the safety risks and the development of newer anti-seizure drugs like Topamax. Topamax was originally approved as an anti-seizure medication for epileptics, but some of the off-label uses that were not approved by the FDA included treatment for migraines and psychiatric conditions. However, Topamax has been linked to an increased risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts as well as birth defects in women whose babies are exposed to the drug in-utero. Some of those birth defects linked to Topamax use during pregnancy include cleft lips, cleft palates, genital defects and other birth malformations.

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.