Several types of birth control have been associated with pseudotumor cerebri, a condition where the symptoms of a tumor exist without the presence of an actual tumor. Symptoms may range from headaches, dizziness, and nausea to vision changes, forgetfulness, and depression. Worsening vision, even blindness, has been listed as a pseudotumor cerebri complication.  Due to the wide range of symptoms, there is a corresponding wide range of pseudotumor cerebri treatment options.

Pseudotumor Cerebri Treatments

Pseudotumor cerebri’s cause is not precisely known. However, many believe it is caused by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid, which is supposed to be carried out in the bloodstream. The brain produces cerebrospinal fluid constantly as a way to protect itself and the spinal cord. However, if  it is not being carried away efficiently, intracranial pressure can build, causing pseudotumor cerebri or a false tumor.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “the goal of pseudotumor cerebri treatment is to improve [the] symptoms.” Some basic steps start with weight loss (if the patient is obese).

If the patient’s vision is involved, surgery to reduce pressure surrounding the eye can be performed. One process is called optic nerve sheath fenestration. This form of pseudotumor cerebri treatment is risky, but can be beneficial. The surgeon would cut a slip into the membrane around the optic nerve and let the fluids that have been building up escape. This can be very helpful, but it is not always a success.

Another form of pseudotumor cerebri treatment is spinal fluid shunt. A surgeon puts a long, thin tube into the brain or lower spine to drain away the cerebrospinal fluid that has been building up. While this may help some pseudotumor cerebri patients, there are other complications associated with the surgery such as a clogged shunt (the long tube) which can require additional surgery. Spinal fluid shunt surgery is recommended for those who have, without success, tried other treatment options.

There are several drugs that can be used as pseudotumor cerebri treatments. Glaucoma drugs are very popular, which is known to reduce the production of cerebrospinal fluid. It is typically one of the first drugs prescribed to pseudotumor cerebri patients. If glaucoma drugs are ineffective, a diuretic may be prescribed in addition to a glaucoma drug.

Migraine medications can also be prescribed for pseudotumor cerebri treatment in order to reduce the headache that commonly follows pseudotumor cerebri.

As the symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri may be confused with other medical conditions, doctors may perform MRI or CT scans of the brain, a spinal tap, or an eye exam in order to diagnose the condition and begin pseudotumor cerebri treatment.

Birth Control Pseudotumor Cerebri

Pseudotumor cerebri has been associated with birth control medications, both oral contraceptives and IUC birth control. Popular medications such as Yaz, Yasmin, Nexplanon, NuvaRing, and ParaGard are being investigated by pseudotumor cerebri birth control lawyers. Their manufacturers (such as Bayer and Pfizer) are also being investigated. A pseudotumor cerebri class action lawsuit investigation is currently underway.