Migraine and Epilepsy Medication In Pregnant Women May Raise Autism Risk

WebMD reports that a new study published in the journal Neurology shows women who take Valproate for Epilepsy, while pregnant, may increase the risk of having a child with Autism. Rebecca Bromley, a PhD student and one of the researchers at the University of Liverpool told WebMD:

British researchers looked at 632 children, almost half of whom were exposed to epilepsy drugs during gestation. Nine of the 632 have been diagnosed with autism, and one has shown symptoms of the disorder.

Although this study was limited to pregnant women who took this medication for Epilepsy, Valproate is also used to prevent Migraine and an abortive treatment for acute Migraine.

To read the article click HERE.

Migraine and the Energy Independence & Security Act of 2007

Last year Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. This federal law requires incandescent lighting to be phased out in favor of energy efficient bulbs starting in 2012. The law doesn't say that compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are required but because fluorescent, the tube-like bulbs that are mostly found in public places such as offices, schools, and stores, and CFLs, the ones designed for home use, are the most available and less expensive, it's likely that these types of bulbs will be the most used.

Many Migraineurs find that CFLs trigger Migraine attacks. CFLs also affects others who suffer with health conditions such as Epilepsy, Lupus and Autism. As use of CFLs increase, those of us with health conditions will find it very difficult to have a public life; to go to the store or bank, attend school and go to work in offices and factories alike.

Opposing CFLs does not mean that Migraineurs and other people with health concerns are opposed to "Going Green". Of course we are in favor of saving our environment and our planet as much as anyone who's health is not affected by this lighting but we believe that alternatives such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), halogens and improved energy efficient incandescents , would remedy this issue without hurting or endangering our health.

A group of us who write, blog and advocate for Migraine Disease have created a petition asking for an amendment to the Energy Independence & Security Act that emphasizes energy standards and encourages the development of other energy saving technology instead of focusing on the elimination of existing technology. If you feel the same way we do please head over to ipetitions and sign the Protect migraineurs from compact fluorescent bulbs ipetition HERE.