Using epsom salts cuts cerebral palsy rates in half
Story By: Bea Karnes
Source: NBC
A major medical development has its roots in an age-old home remedy.
Epsom salts are a tried and true home remedy for all sorts of aches and ailments. University of North Carolina Researcher Dr. John Thorp says it was a staple in his mother's pantry.
Now there is evidence that an I.V. Solution of the salts may have a much more dramatic effect by reducing the risk of cerebral palsy, a serious form of brain damage that affects movement and speech and is more common in premature infants.
A trial of more than 2,000 women at risk for pre-term labor cerebral palsy found the magnesium sulfate infusion before delivery reduced the risk of cerebral palsy from 4 percent down to 2 percent.
Side effects in women were minor and included flushing and drowsiness. It's not known how the solution helps prevent cerebral palsy.
Dr. Thorp was one of the study researchers and says the ability to reduce the risk of the birth defect is a major medical development. Thorp notes that virtually every delivery room in the United States is already stocked with the epsom salt solution.
The compound is used to treat pregnancy-related high blood pressure and to help stop early labor. The research is published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
