Pseudotumor cerebri (“false brain tumor”) is a condition characterized by increased cerebrospinal fluid pressure in the skull. This condition is also known as Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH) or Benign Intracranial Hypertension.

In this condition, there is no mass or hydrocephalus (build of of fluid) in the brain identified, yet the increased spinal fluid pressure leads to a number of troubling symptoms. Pseudotumor cerebri symptoms are alarming, as they mimic those of a brain tumor.

Along with other medications, this condition has been associated with the use of oral contraceptives and implantable birth control among women.

Pseudotumor Cerebri Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Pseudotumor cerebri symptoms include the following:

• Moderate to severe headaches
• Tinnitus or pulsatile tinnitus (ringing in the ears that pulses in sync with one’s heartbeat)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dizziness or vertigo
• Papilledema (swollen optic nerve)
• Vision changes such as blurred, dimmed, or double vision, or seeing light flashes (photopsia) or blind spots
• Neck, shoulder or back pain
• Difficulty walking
• Forgetfulness
• Depression

Those affected by PTC need not have all the above frequently occurring false brain tumor symptoms, though many have at least several on the list.

Diagnosis of pseudotumor cerebri is typically made by an initial physical exam including an ophthalmologic exam to look at the optic nerve, CT and/or MRI imaging and a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to assess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure.

Treatment for pseudotumor cerebri is focused on reducing the intracranial pressure and often includes medication (such as acetazolamide, corticosteroids or furosemide), lumbar punctures to remove extra cerebrospinal fluid thereby reducing pressure, and even brain surgery to place a tube-like device called a shunt to assist in CSF drainage in severe cases. Lifestyle changes are also suggested, such as reducing sodium intake and weight loss for overweight individuals

Causes of Pseudotumor Cerebri

The causes of Pseudotumor Cerebri are largely unknown, though doctors do understand that the usage of certain medications may be linked to this condition.   Women who are overweight and who are close to menopause seem to be at the greatest risk. PTC does occur in men and children as well, but it is a condition rarely observed in infants.

The following drugs/supplements have been associated with pseudotumor cerebri:

• Birth control pills
• Cyclosporine
• Isotretinoin
• Minocycline
• Nalidixic acid
• Nitrofurantoin
• Phenytoin
• Steroids
• Sulfa drugs
• Tamoxifen
• Tetracycline
• Vitamin A

Birth Control Lawsuit Information

Women who have been diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri and who have taken any of the following birth control medications may be able to file a birth control lawsuit:

• Beyaz
• Depro-Provera
• Gianvi
• Implanon
• Mirena IUD
• Nexplanon
• NuvaRing
• Ocella
• OrthoEvra
• ParaGard
• Safyral

The consumers who have brought forth information in birth control lawsuits regarding Pseudotumor Cerebri claim that there was not adequate warning information about contraceptive-linked condition provided to women before they began taking the pharmaceuticals.

Lawyers are available to assist women who have been diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri following birth control usage.