Amanda Antell  |  August 27, 2015

Category: Legal News

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pseudotumor-hormones-headPseudotumor cerebri, a condition  that mimics brain tumors and is often associated with severe migraines and potential vision damage, is a potential side effect of certain birth control medications.

Pseudotumor cerebri is a condition that develops in the skull, when cerebrospinal fluid builds up and is not properly recycled through the body. Cerebrospinal fluid is a vital material naturally manufactured in the body, responsible for protecting the brain and spine from damage and is continuously cycled through the spine and skull.

Pseudotumor cerebri can put pressure on the optic nerve, leading to potential blindness and permanent vision damage.

The condition has become commonly associated with popular birth control products. It’s not clear why, but it is thought to be linked to hormonal balance, obesity, and overall poor health.

Women suffering from pseudotumor cerebri (PTC), report that their symptoms worsen during intense physical activities. According to clinical studies, PTC is estimated to only effect 3.3 per 100,000 women, with one 1995 study in the New England Journal of Medicine identifying 56 cases of PTC, from women who were prescribed the Mirena IUD.

Experts warn patients that if they start experiencing severe headaches or blurry vision, they should consult their physicians immediately as vision damage from PTC, can be permanent.

There are a variety of diagnostic methods to diagnose pseudotumor cerebri, ranging from eye exams to a spinal tap.

In 2014, numerous women reported developing pseudotumor cerebi soon after they had the Mirena IUD implanted. Many of Bayer’s other popular birth control products have been alleged to cause this side effect, with each contraceptive containing a synthesized progestin, levonorgestrel.

It is unknown if there is a link between this hormone and pseudotumor cerebri. However, some medical experts believe that blood clots that form from these birth control products, could be obstructing the flow of cerebrospinal fluid through the cerebral venous sinus, which can cause pressure to build up in the skull.

This is based on several studies, with the researchers noting that many patients who developed PTC, had exhibited narrowing in the large sinuses.

Birth control products allegedly associated with pseudotumor cerebri include:

  • Mirena IUD
  • Yaz
  • Yasmin
  • ParaGard
  • Ocella
  • BeYaz
  • Giavni

Do YOU have a legal claim? Fill out the form on this page now for a free, immediate, and confidential case evaluation. The attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual lawsuit or birth control class action lawsuit is best for you. [In general, birth control lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions.] Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.

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If you were diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri or intracranial hypertension after using birth control, you may have a legal claim.  Submit your information now for a free case evaluation.

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