Yesterday I went to London to meet with Emma Murphy a wonderful Mum of 5 amazing children all badly affected by FACS and Janet Williams a wonderful Mum of two also affected by Fetal Anti Convulsant Syndrome a condition caused when a woman taking Anti Epileptic drugs
I am delighted to have the pleasure of being an Ambassador for this very important charity.
What is FACS?
Fetal Anti Convulsant Syndrome is a condition caused when a woman taking Anti Epileptic drugs (Sodium Valproate, Carbamazipine & Phenytoin) either for:
Epilepsy, Depression, Mood Swings, Pain Relief, ADHD, Bipolar Disorder or Migraines
Has been prescribed before or during her pregnancy.
FACS is thought to arise because some of the medications taken to treat all of the above pass through the placenta and into the developing foetus. If a child is diagnosed with FACS they are more likely to be diagnosed with
Limb Defects
Joint Laxity and poor muscle tone,
Visual problems such as short sightedness or squints,
Characteristic Facial Features (similar to Downs Syndrome)
A delay in reaching milestones
Gross and fine motor difficulties
Autistic spectrum disorders ie Dyspraxia, Aspergers, ADHD etc
Attention and memory difficulties
Speech and language difficulties
Noise Intolerant (doesnt like loud noises, tends to cover their ears)
Incontinence
Athsma
Zoo-phobia (petrified of animals)
If you feel your child may have FACS you must speak to your GP about your concerns and request to be referred to a Paeditrician or Clinical Geneticist. Not every child who is exposed to these medicines will have FACS. NEVER stop taking your Anticonvulsant medication without medical advice as this could pose a serious risk to you and if pregnant your child
To find out more please go to => the FACS ‘Fetal Anti Convulsant Syndrome’ Association => http://facsa.org.uk/
Contact Us
If you would like to discuss anything regarding FACS and the FACS Association please get in touch
[email protected] [email protected] ? +44 1253 799161 +44 7866 377278
Read my article “Drug Justice” FACS Syndrome