The popular Mirena IUD and other hormonal birth control options have been linked to migraine-like symptoms known as pseudotumor cerebri, also known as intercranial hypertension (ICH).

The Mirena IUD is a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine symptom that is the number one prescribed IUD in the US.

The Mirena IUD prevents pregnancy for up to five years with 70 to 99 percent effectiveness, according to the Mirena website.

Mirena IUD has been linked to an abnormal elevation in cerebrospinal fluid in the skull, resulting in a condition known as levonorgestrel pseudotumor cerebri.

Cerebrospinal fluid surrounds the brain and spinal cord, acting as a cushion to protect these tissues from injury. It is produced in the brain and absorbed naturally into the bloodstream. When there is an elevation in cerebrospinal fluid, pressure in the skull is increased, resulting in pseudotumor cerebri.

Although the exact cause of pseudotumor cerebri is unknown, it is thought that increased intercranial pressure is caused by a problem in the cerebrospinal fluid reabsorption process.

Pseudotumor cerebri causes migraine-like symptoms and mimicks symptoms of a brain tumor although no tumor is present. The similarities between symptoms of this condition and symptoms of a brain tumor is where pseudotumor cerebri gets its name, roughly translating to “false brain tumor.” The symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri include:

• Moderate to severe headaches, originating behind the eyes and worsening with eye movement
• Dizziness or problems walking
• Nausea or vomiting
• Changes in vision including blurring, dimming, flashing, diminished peripheral vision, and blindness
• Ringing in the ears in time with heartbeats
• Neck stiffness
• Neck, shoulder, or back pain
• Forgetfulness or depression

Some individuals notice an increase in pseudotumor cerebri symptoms while exerting energy due to a raised pressure in the skull. The largest risk associated with pseudotumor cerebri is loss of vision progressing from blurred vision up to vision loss due to pressure on one or both optic nerves. Pseudotumor is generally not fatal, but the condition can become chronic, causing vision problems for months or years after an initial diagnosis.

The symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri may be similar to other conditions and diagnosis should always be provided by a medical professional. A diagnosis can be made by the following tests: MRI or CT scans, spinal tap, or an eye exam.

Using the Mirena IUD is a risk factor for levonorgestrel pseudotumor cerebri. Levonorgestrel is the hormonal component of the Mirena. A report published by Therapeutic Advancements in Drug Safety: Sage Articles showed “a higher than expected number of reports of ICH with Mirena.”

Although the link between the Mirena IUD and levonorgestrel pseudotumor cerebri is not fully understood, exposure to Mirena IUD is associated with higher odds of levonorgestrel pseudotumor, according to the study.

The risk of levonorgestrel pseudotumor cerebri was not shared with consumers of the Mirena IUD, according to numerous allegations made in Mirena pseudotumor cerebri lawsuits. Lawyers are actively looking for women who were diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri after using the Mirena IUD, Depo-Provera, or Ortho Evra.