Is Trileptal Safe for Treating Seizures in a Child With Cerebral Palsy?

 Posted on October 26, 2020 in Cerebral Palsy

Complications during labor and delivery can lead to different birth injuries, such as cerebral palsy (CP). Children with cerebral palsy may experience a variety of symptoms that affect their movement, cognitive function, and many other areas of their lives. Epilepsy is a common condition that is related to cerebral palsy, and between one-third and one-half of people diagnosed with CP experience some form of seizures. While different medications are available to treat epilepsy, parents will want to make sure these drugs are safe for their children to use.

Treating Seizures With Anticonvulsant Medications 

Children with cerebral palsy can experience multiple different types of seizures. These include tonic-clonic seizures that cause a child to suffer a complete loss of motor functions and experience convulsions in the muscles, as well as confusion that can last up to a few weeks after a seizure. Partial complex seizures can also occur, and while these do not involve convulsions, they may lead to a partial loss of consciousness and temporary impairment to walking or other motor functions.

These types of seizures can be treated through anticonvulsant medications, which work to suppress abnormal brain activity. By limiting excessive electrical activity in the brain and nervous system, these drugs can help avoid muscle convulsions or other issues related to epilepsy. 

Trileptal (which is known as oxcarbazepine in its generic form) is one type of anticonvulsant that has been found to be beneficial in treating seizures. It is usually used by adults and children over the age of 6. Some side effects that may occur when using this drug include drowsiness, dizziness, headaches, nausea or vomiting, stomach pain, difficulty sleeping, and constipation. A small number of users of Trileptal have experienced depression, mood disorders, and suicidal thoughts. In rare cases, users may experience serious skin reactions, including rashes, blisters, peeling skin, swelling, and itching.

Younger children who use Trileptal may be more susceptible to certain side effects, including infections. Signs of infection include fever, sore throat, and persistent coughing. Parents should consult with a doctor to determine whether Trileptal may be beneficial for a child to use, and tests may be performed to assess the potential risks and determine the best course of treatment.

Contact Our Cook County Cerebral Palsy Lawyers

If your child suffers from cerebral palsy, you will want to be sure you are taking the right steps to provide the best possible treatment throughout his or her lifetime. In addition to consulting with doctors to make sure your child is using the right medications to prevent seizures or address other issues, you may need to provide other types of treatment, such as surgery or physical therapy. The costs of providing care for a child with cerebral palsy can be massive, and you will want to understand whether you can receive financial assistance that will help you meet your child’s needs. At the Birth Injury Law Alliance, we can provide you with legal guidance, making sure you will have the necessary financial resources in the years to come. Contact our knowledgeable and dedicated Chicago birth injury attorneys today at 312-462-4200 to set up a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-17984-5005/trileptal-oral/oxcarbazepine-oral/details

https://www.icddelhi.org/anticonvulsion.html