More than 60 percent of women in the United States use a form of birth control to limit the chance of becoming pregnant.

However, recent studies show that women taking hormonal birth control medications may have an increased risk of developing pseudotumor cerebri (PTC), a condition that mimics the symptoms of a brain tumor. The condition causes migraines, vision loss and, in some cases, permanent blindness.

Contraceptive medications that have been linked to developing PTC include Yaz, Mirena IUD, Yasmin, and many others. Birth control users are pursuing legal action against contraceptive manufacturers alleging they did not adequately warn of the serious birth control side effects.

PTC Explained

Pseudotumor cerebri means “false brain tumor” and although it’s not typically fatal, pressure on the brain is known to cause serious, and sometimes permanent, damage. PTC occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the skull placing extra pressure on the brain, optic nerves and eyes.

Medical experts believe PTC is caused by the body’s inability to properly absorb the fluid into the bloodstream leaving excess amounts around the brain.

Pseudotumor cerebri symptoms may include:

• Headaches
• Ringing in the ears
• Dizziness
• Neck pain
• Nausea
• Blurred or double vision
• Depression
• Vision blackouts
• Forgetfulness
• Seeing light flashes (photopsia)
• Vomiting
• Problems walking
• Difficulty seeing to the side

Women between the ages of 20 and 50 are the most common population to report developing pseudotumor cerebri. In addition, obese women under the age of 44 who are taking a birth control medication have almost a 20 percent greater risk of PTC.

Early diagnosis of PTC is key because if left untreated the disorder can cause permanent damage.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Pseudotumor Cerebri

If birth control users suspect they may have PTC they should seek medical treatment immediately. Physicians may perform an MRI or CT scan to see where the cerebrospinal fluid is building up. Doctors may then prescribe medications to help alleviate symptoms or, only in severe cases, recommend surgery.

The Mayo Clinic reports that while surgery to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid is only reserved for the most serious cases of PTC, it has an 85 percent success rate of relieving symptoms. Once the fluid has stopped building up around the brain, physicians may also encourage patients to change their diets, limiting high amounts of sugar, fat and salt.

Birth Controls Linked to PTC

Pharmaceutical manufacturers Bayer and Pfizer are facing a growing number of birth control lawsuits that allege they knew the birth control risks of developing PTC yet failed to warn patients.

Other birth control medications associated with developing PTC include:

• Beyaz
• NuvaRing
• ParaGard
• Ocella
• Depo-Provera
• Gardasil
• Implanon
• Nexplanon
• Ortho Evra

Plaintiffs filing pseudotumor cerebri lawsuits seek compensation for medical bills, loss of wages, as well as pain and suffering. Contact a birth control lawyer to see if you qualify to join a pseudotumor cerebri class action lawsuit.