Hormonal birth control pills as well as IUDs which include hormones have been linked to numerous serious side effects, including an increased risk of developing pseudotumor cerebri (PTC), a condition that causes neurological issues and can mimic the effects of a brain tumor.

Birth control devices such as the Mirena IUD have been linked to an increased risk of PTC which causes severe headaches, migraines, vision loss, and permanent blindness.

PTC is also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) or intracranial hypertension. Pseudotumor cerebri, which literally means “false brain tumor,” is characterized by high intracranial pressure caused by the accumulation or poor absorption of cerebrospinal fluid. The disorder is most commonly reported in women between the ages of 20 and 50.

Intracranial Pressure Symptoms

The increased intracranial pressure associated with pseudotumor cerebri can cause swelling of the optic nerve and result in vision loss. Medications often can reduce this pressure, but in some cases, surgery is necessary.

Intracranial pressure symptoms associated with pseudotumor cerebri may include:

• Blurred vision
• Double vision (diplopia)
• Eye injury (papilledema)
• Buzzing sound in the ears (tinnitus)
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vision loss
• Headache

Intracranial Hypertension Causes

Although in many cases the cause of intracranial hypertension is unknown, the disorder has been linked to certain prescription medications. One hormone in particular, levonorgestrel, was linked to IIH in 1995. Levonorgestrel is the active ingredient released by the Mirena IUD.

Intracranial Pressure Treatment

Treatments for patients with PTC associated intracranial hypertension or intracranial pressure may include:

• Lumbar puncture, which can help relieve pressure in the brain and prevent vision problems
• Shunting procedures, which relieve pressure from CSF buildup
• Prescription medications such as corticosteroids, acetazolamide, furosemide
• Surgery to relieve pressure on the optic nerve
• Fluid/salt restriction
• Weight loss

Once PTC intracranial hypertension or intracranial pressure has been diagnosed and treated, the prognosis is typically favorable. However, if visual loss occurs, the disorder may be permanent whether or not it is treated. In some patients, intracranial hypertension or pressure may recur.

Pseudotumor Cerebri Lawsuits

Certain medications such as birth control pills and contraceptive devices such as the Mirena IUD are risk factors for pseudotumor cerebri and intracranial hypertension.

However, this risk wasn’t shared with consumers by drug makers, according to allegations raised in numerous pseudotumor cerebri lawsuits. Potential PTC lawsuits are being investigated for women who were diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri after using the following birth control products:

• Yaz
• Yasmin
• Ocella
• Beyaz
• Implanon
• Nexplanon
• NuvaRing
• Ortho Evra
• Depo Provera
• Paragaurd
• Mirena