More than half of all U.S. women use birth control in the form of contraceptive pills or implants; however, researchers have linked many birth control medications to a rare but serious side effect known as pseudotumor cerebri (PTC).

Pseudotumor cerebri is a cerebrospinal fluid build-up within the skull that mimics the same symptoms of having an actual brain tumor. While it has not been known to cause death, PTC may cause vision loss, migraines, and in some cases permanent blindness if not treated immediately.

Some of the birth control medications that have been linked to PTC include Yaz, Mirena IUD, Yasmin, NuvaRing, ParaGard, Ortho Evra, Nexplanon, Gardasil, Depo-Provera, Ocella, Bevaz, and Implanon.

Pseudotumor Cerebri Treatment

Pseudotumor cerebri means “false brain tumor” because the symptoms are so similar to having an actual brain tumor. Medical experts believe cerebrospinal fluids build up because the body is unable to properly absorb the fluid into the bloodstream, leaving excess amounts around the brain. While PTC isn’t fatal, it can cause permanent health conditions.

Studies show that obese women under the age of 44 who are taking a birth control medication have a 20 percent greater risk of developing PTC. Consumers who report developing the brain condition are generally women between the ages of 20 and 50 years old.

PTC symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Neck pain
• Double vision
• Migraines
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Depression
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Blackouts

The most serious of PTC symptoms is blindness; this may occur due to the increase of pressure and decreased blood supply to the optic nerves. If the optic nerve is damaged, it can lead to double-vision or blindness.

To treat the brain condition, physicians will often use a CT or MRI scan to get a clear image of the fluid build-up around the brain. The cerebrospinal fluid build-up can often be treated with medication, but if symptoms worsen, surgery to drain the fluid is recommended.

Although surgery is only performed in the most extreme situations, the Mayo Clinic confirms that it is effective in relieving symptoms 85 percent of the time. Once symptoms are under control, doctors often recommend patients change their dietary intakes of fat, sugar, and salt as a precautionary measure.

Birth Control Lawsuits

Pharmaceutical manufacturers Bayer, Pfizer, and Merck are being sued in numerous PTC lawsuits for failing to warn about the risk of developing the serious birth control side effect. Some birth control lawsuits even allege that manufacturers knew of the risks but intentionally did not warn consumers.

In general, PTC lawsuits are filed by plaintiffs who want to be financially compensated for the pain and suffering they endured by developing pseudotumor cerebri. In many cases, filing a pseudotumor cerebri lawsuit is the only way victims can recover from the high medical costs and loss of wages that occur from having to treat the serious condition.

Contact a birth control attorney to see if you qualify to join a pseudotumor cerebri class action lawsuit.