It turns out that Toxocara canis, which is a roundworm that is found in dogs, and Toxocara cati, which is a roundworm found in cats, is more present in epileptics than in others. This is according to a new study, based on a systematic review and meta-analysis, that was published in the August issue of PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases.

According to the research that was conducted by Dr. Graziella Quattrocchi MD, University of Catania, Italy, and her team, their research discovered that the anti-toxocara antibodies were more present in epileptics in the case studies. It should be noted, however, that the link between epilepsy and seropositivity for toxocara was only apparent in 4 out of the 7 studies that were used for the review.

“Epilepsy is the most prevalent neurologic condition today and it is more common in tropical areas, probably because of the presence of cases caused by infectious diseases largely absent in industrialized countries,” said senior author Pierre-Marie Preux, MD, PhD, University of Limoges School of Medicine, France, to Medscape.

“Considering that toxocariasis is a preventable disease, a better understanding of the relationship between toxocariasis and epilepsy may encourage improvement of programs on toxocariasis prevention in order to control both toxocara transmission and the related epilepsy burden,” he continued.

Epilepsy exists in millions of people worldwide and is treated with various prescription medications. One of those prescription medications is the anti-seizure drug Topamax. Topamax has been proven to cause birth defects in babies whose mothers take the drugs while pregnant. Some of those birth defects include PPHN, spina bifida, oral clefts and neural tube defects. It is believed that in locating the cells that cause seizures, better ways of treating them can be developed.

If your child was born with birth defects because of 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.