Birth control implants such as Implanon have been linked to a serious medical condition known as pseudotumor cerebri (PTC).

Recent studies suggest contraceptives including Implanon may cause the birth control side effect PTC, which mimics the symptoms of an actual brain tumor. Pseudotumor cerebri is caused when cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the skull placing extra pressure on the brain, optic nerves and eyes. While PTC is not known to be fatal, it is imperative that it is treated immediately to help avoid permanent damage.

Implanon is a birth control method that releases hormones used to prevent pregnancy via a small, flexible plastic rod that is implanted under the skin of the upper arm. The manufacturer claims the product is 99 percent effective.

Implanon stops the ovaries from releasing an egg and it also thickens cervical mucus, which can keep sperm from reaching the egg. While the product carries numerous side effect risks, birth control lawsuits claim the manufacturers did not adequate warn of the possibility of developing PTC.

What is Pseudotumor Cerebri?

PTC means “false brain tumor” and gets its name because the symptoms are so similar to having a real tumor. Some of the pseudotumor cerebri symptoms include blurred or double vision, migraines, headaches, ringing in the ears, nausea, dizziness, neck pain, and depression.

In some cases, PTC can cause visual complications including blackouts and even blindness.

It is still unknown why cerebrospinal fluids build up, but medical experts believe it is caused by the body’s inability to properly absorb the fluid into the bloodstream leaving excess amounts around the brain. If left untreated, pseudotumor cerebri poses dangerous health risks to the patient. 

Treatment of Pseudotumor Cerebri

When PTC is suspected, physicians often perform a CT scan or MRI to get a clear image of the cerebrospinal fluid build up. Doctors may treat the condition with fluid retention medications and only if symptoms worsen will they recommend surgery to drain the extra cerebrospinal fluid.

While surgery is only performed in the most severe cases, the Mayo Clinic reports it is effective in relieving symptoms 85 percent of the time.

Further PTC treatment may also include patients changing their diets to limit the amount of high fats, sugar and salt they intake as a preventative measure.

Birth Control Lawsuits

Birth control manufacturers are under scrutiny as consumers allege companies failed to warn of the dangerous PTC side effects. In addition to Implanon, other birth control medications that have been linked to pseudotumor cerebri include:

• Yaz
• Mirena IUD
• Yasmin
• NuvaRing
• ParaGard
• Ortho Evra
• Nexplanon
• Depo-Provera
• Ocella
• Bevaz

In general, birth control lawsuits claim manufacturers like Bayer, Pfizer and Merck knew of the serious risks involved with taking the medication but intentionally failed to warn consumers. Birth control attorneys attempt to recover financial compensation for their clients for medical expenses, lost wages as well as pain and suffering.

If you developed PTC after implanting Implanon, you may have legal claim.