A connection has been made between Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) and birth control medications.

Also known as pseudotumor cerebri, or PTC, IIH is a neurological disorder whose symptoms can mimic an actual brain tumor. A condition wherein excess cerebrospinal fluid, fluid that surrounds the spinal cord and the brain, builds up in the skull, and creates pressure on the brain, Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) can be dangerous. Its side effects are those possibly found with a brain tumor as well, including headaches, nausea and vision issues.

According to the Intracranial Hypertension Research Foundation, “Headache is one of the most common symptoms of intracranial hypertension. Approximately 90 percent of people who have chronic IIH, report headache, though a minority (less than 10 percent) have intracranial hypertension and do not experience headache.”

IIH headaches are different from regular headaches. They are closer to migraines, sharing symptoms such as light sensitivity, or getting worse with movement. However, there are additional symptoms that set it apart and aid in diagnosing it as an IIH headache. Pseudotumor cerebri headache indicators include hearing and vision problems as well.

Symptoms reported with an IIH headache include “pulse synchronous tinnitus (a whooshing noise in one or both ear(s) that occurs in sync with one’s pulse),” and a variety of vision problems.

With IIH, the intracranial fluid pressure can impact the optic nerves, causing papilledema (swollen optic nerves). Sight issues can include spur-of-the-moment visual dim or black-outs of vision, spots, blurred vision, and double vision. If the pressure is not relieved, victims can experience temporary blindness. If not treated, there is a risk of permanent blindness.

IH Headaches and Intracranial Hypertension Treatment

All IIH symptoms, if not treated, can worsen and have the potential to cause permanent damage. As PTC mimics a brain tumor, a brain scan is often called for to rule out a real tumor, a blood clot, or any other potential injury.

If diagnosed as pseudotumor cerebri, there are a host of treatment options. Treatment is aimed at the cause of the pseudotumor, such as fluid elimination.

According to MedLine Plus, possible treatment can include a “lumbar puncture to relieve pressure in the brain and prevent vision problems,” restricting fluids or salt intake, shunts to relieve pressure from spinal fluid accumulation, prescriptions for certain medications (carbonic anhydrase inhibitors), surgery to alleviate pressure on the optic nerve, and in the case of obesity, weight loss.

Causes OF IIH

The actual cause of PTC is unknown, but obesity and certain medicines can increase the risk of the condition. One such medication is birth control pills due the hormones they contain.

The Food and Drug Administration has controlled other birth controlproducts containing levonorgestrel, like the Mirena IUD and Norplant implant. It’s speculated that it is this hormone that results in the build-up of spinal fluid, putting pressure on the brain and optic nerve, resulting in IIH.

However, not all birth control packaging includes warnings of IIH risks.