€12m epilepsy drug settlement in High Court could open floodgates to dozens more cases

The HSE estimates that up to 1,250 children may have experienced neurodevelopmental delay after their mothers took the epilepsy drug sodium valproate/Epilim during pregnancy. Stock picture: iStock

A €12m High Court settlement with a teenager whose mother took sodium valproate while pregnant could open the floodgates to dozens more cases.

The settlement was made with Alex Fahey, 16, from Co Carlow, who claimed he suffered neurological damage as a baby after his mother, Helen Maher Fahey, took sodium valproate under the brand name Epilim while pregnant.