22 Jul 2023 • A new study published in The Lancet Neurology found that young children exposed to commonly-prescribed anti-seizure medications during pregnancy do not have worse neurodevelopmental outcomes compared to children of healthy women.

Commonly used medications like lamotrigine and levetiracetam are generally considered safe and effective for pregnant women, with low risks of negatively affecting cognitive outcomes in their children.

The study provides reassurance to patients and guidance to neurologists on maintaining a delicate balance between suppressing seizures in mothers and ensuring no increased neurological complications for the baby.

Children of women with epilepsy showed similar abilities in vocabulary, verbal comprehension, and understanding language compared to children born to women without epilepsy, indicating the medications pose low risks for neurodevelopmental issues.

Source: Lancet Neurology | Read full story