Pseudotumor cerebri or “false brain tumor” has recently entered the national consciousness, as concerns—and Mirena lawsuits—continue to grow, alleging that the Mirena IUD could cause the condition. Women using the Mirena IUD should be aware of the symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri so they can obtain treatment as soon as possible.

“Pseudotumor cerebri” means “false brain tumor” or “fake brain tumor” in Latin. Doctors describe the condition in this way because the symptoms of symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri closely mimic the symptoms of a large brain tumor. However, pseudotumor cerebri has a very different cause, and is arguably a better situation than having a brain tumor. Still, it is a neurological problem centered in the brain, making it a serious, possibly life-threatening medical condition.

In pseudotumor cerebri, fluid builds up in the skull, putting pressure on the optic nerve, brain, and brain case, causing a variety of symptoms.

The condition can cause a variety of types of pain in the body. First and foremost, pseudotumor cerebri can cause massive migraine-like headaches in the front of the head behind the eyes. This is directly caused by the buildup of fluid in the brain. Connected with this, patients suffering from pseudotumor cerebri may experience pain in the eyes themselves. Additionally, the swelling from pseudotumor cerebri can cause stiffness in the neck.

Patients with pseudotumor cerebri also face neurological symptoms caused by the pressure on the brain. This can cause ataxia (trouble walking), as well as the sensation of filling dizzy or nauseous to the point of vomiting.

Patients may also suffer tinnitus, a ringing or static-sounding noise in their ears. Tinnitus can often be caused by loud noise, and many people experience it after loud concerts, but in this case, it is caused by the pressure on the brain seen in pseudotumor cerebri.

Additionally, the cranial pressure found in pseudotumor cerebri can cause depression and increased forgetfulness.

Another major category of pseudotumor cerebri symptoms include vision problems. Pressure on the optic nerve, the optic disc, and the vision centers of the brain can cause a variety of optical symptoms; patients with pseudotumor cerebri may experience a blurring or double vision. If left untreated, pseudotumor cerebri patients may experience vision loss and blindness.

A number of Mirena lawsuits have been filed, alleging that the makers of the Mirena IUD have been aware—or reasonably should have been aware—that the Mirena IUD can cause pseudotumor cerebri. These Mirena lawsuits seek to recoup medical costs related to the condition, as well as court costs and legal fees.