Children whose mothers take anti-epilepsy drugs during pregnancy face an increased risk of developing autism, a new study has warned. Researchers found that by the age of three years old, children whose mothers had taken drugs to control their epileptic seizures were four times more likely to show traits associated with autism. These children had a six per cent risk of developing autistic traits compared to 1.5 per cent risk in those youngsters who had not been exposed to the drugs while in the womb. “Women should have additional tests throughout their pregnancy to detect any problems and given careful counselling. It’s also recommended they take a higher dose of folic acid during this time.”
Warning: DO NOT use VALPORIC ACID (DEPAKOTE), PHENOBARBITAL or Tylenol—- if the patient has abnormal ANK3 (Ankyrin-G nodes of ranvier) variant. Doctors don’t routinely test for this genetic marker in seizure patients so beware! For instance, if an autistic patient with EPILEPSY develops abnormal behaviors while taking any of these drugs a genetic test should be done to rule out ANK3 de novo missense mutations! Better to use CBD strains of medical cannabis, Vitamin D, Selenium, Lamictal and Racetams like Keppra