Birth control injections such as Depo-Provera have been linked to a serious medical condition known as pseudotumor cerebri (PTC).

Recent studies suggest contraceptives, including Depo-Provera, 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, optical nerve and eyes. While PTC is not known to be fatal, it is imperative that it is treated immediately to help avoid permanent damage.

Depo-Provera is a popular birth control for women. The medication is made of a hormone similar to progesterone. Depo-Provera is administered through an injection in the arm or buttocks.

The shot must be administered every 12 weeks in order to receive the full protection of the hormone. Depo-Provera begins to work immediately if received within the first 5 days after the woman’s menstrual period.

Unfortunately recent studies have suggested that women taking Depo-Provera and several other birth control medications are at risk of developing pseudotumor cerebri.

What is Pseudotumor Cerebri?

Pseudotumor cerebri is a medical condition that results from an increased pressure in the skull that causes symptoms that mimic a brain tumor. Medical researchers believe the condition is caused by the build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the skull.

The cerebrospinal fluid works to cushion the brain and spinal cord from injury.   The cerebrospinal fluid is continually produced by the brain and then recycled through the blood stream.

Symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri include headache, migraines, dizziness, nausea, ringing in the ears, nausea and vomiting, forgetfulness, problems walking, and neck stiffness.

For some women the symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri increase with exercise since the extra exertion of energy increases intracranial pressure.

Birth Control Lawsuits

Several birth control lawsuits have been filed in courts across the nation alleging that pharmaceutical companies violated consumer protection laws. In addition to Depo-Provera, other birth control medications that have been linked to pseudotumor cerebri include:

• Yaz
• Yasmin
• Ocella
• Beyax
• NuvaRing
• ParaGard

Whether or not a birth control lawsuit should be brought is a decision that should be made on a case by case basis with the advice of a legal professional.

Awards and settlements from these product liability lawsuits will help victims pay both past and future medical bills and may also serve as a small step towards compensating victims for the pain and suffering they have been forced to endure due to taking their birth control medication.

Product liability attorneys are currently looking for potential plaintiffs who used Depo-Provera or other birth control medications and later developed pseudotumor cerebri to hold the drug manufacturers accountable for failing to warn the medical community and the general public about serious side effects associated with using various birth control medications like Depo-Provera.