New research suggests that women who get migraines while taking birth control have a greater risk of developing serious complications including blood clots or strokes.

In a recent medical study, the records of more than 145,000 women taking a hormone combination birth control between the years 2001 and 2012 were analyzed. Researchers discovered an increased risk of blood clots or stroke in women who suffer from migraines and take birth control.

The group with highest health risk were women taking Yaz, NuvaRing, or the patch who developed migraines with aura, which is visual hallucinations that come with the headache. According to the birth control study, 7.6 percent of women taking Yaz who experienced migraines with aura were diagnosed with blood clots. This is compared to the 6.3 percent of women taking Yaz who experienced migraines without aura.

Although the data release is preliminary, medical experts encourage women who are prone to migraines and taking birth control to discuss the potential health risks with a physician.

Birth Control Side Effects

Birth control medications have also been linked to another dangerous side effect known as pseudotumor cerebri. PTC occurs when a build up of cerebrospinal fluid places extra pressure on the brain, eyes, and optic nerves. Pseudotumor cerebri means “false brain tumor,” as symptoms mimic having an actual brain tumor.

While PTC is not known to be fatal, it can cause serious health complications, including blindness, if left untreated.

PTC patients have reported the following pseudotumor cerebri symptoms:

• Migraines
• Blurred or double vision
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Ringing in the ears
• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Depression

Pseudotumor Cerebri Treatment

Medical experts can treat the build-up of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain by first performing a CT or MRI scan to get a clear image of the fluid. Physicians will often prescribe medications to PTC patients to help with fluid retention, but if symptoms worsen, they may recommend surgery to drain the extra fluid.

PTC surgery is reserved for only the more severe cases, but it has an 85 percent success rate of alleviated symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Once PTC is under control, physicians may also recommend patients change their diets by limiting high amounts of fat, sugar and salt as a way of preventing the condition from recurrence.

Birth Control Lawsuits

Birth control manufacturers are under scrutiny as more studies indicate serious health risks linked to their medications. Bayer is facing a number of alleged design defect lawsuits with their Mirena IUD. Other birth control manufacturers, including Pfizer, are currently being investigated for allegations of failing to warn about the serious side effects of birth control.

Some of the birth control medication linked to pseudotumor cerebri, blood clots or strokes include:

• Ortho Evra
• Mirena IUD
• Yaz
• Implanon
• Yasmin
• Beyaz
• NuvaRing
• ParaGard
• Ocella
• Depo-Provera
• Gardasil
• Nexplanon

Birth control lawsuits seek to financially compensate patients for lost wages, medical expenses, as well as pain and suffering. Contact a birth control attorney to find out if you have legal claim.