More than 60 percent of American women rely on a form of birth control to reduce the likelihood of becoming pregnant. However, recent studies have linked contraceptives to an increased risk of developing a serious brain condition medically referred to as pseudotumor cerebri (PTC).

Pseudotumor cerebri means “false brain tumor” because the symptoms mimic having an actual brain tumor. PTC occurs when cerebrospinal fluid builds up in the skull and places extra pressure on the brain, eyes and optical nerves.

The cerebrospinal fluid build-up can cause the following pseudotumor cerebri symptoms:

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

While the medical condition is not known to be fatal, it is recommended that patients immediately seek treatment for pseudotumor cerebri since it can cause permanent damage.

Birth Controls Linked to Pseudotumor Cerebri

Pharmaceutical manufacturers are facing a growing number of birth control lawsuits alleging that contraceptive consumers were not adequately warned of the severe birth control side effects including pseudotumor cerebri.

Some of the birth control medications and implants that have been linked to PTC include:

• Yaz
• Mirena IUD
• Yasmin
• Beyaz
• NuvaRing
• ParaGard
• Implanon
• Ocella
• Depo-Provera
• Ortho Evra
• Gardasil
• Nexplanon

Studies show that obese women under the age of 44 have a 20 percent greater risk of developing the serious side effect of pseudotumor cerebri.

Treatment of Pseudotumor Cerebri

Those taking a birth control contraceptive who suspect they have PTC should seek immediate treatment. Often, doctors will perform an MRI or CT scan to see where the cerebrospinal fluid is building up.

Initial treatment of pseudotumor cerebri may include prescribing fluid retention medications to PTC patients to help alleviate symptoms. If the symptoms persist or worsen doctors may recommend surgery to drain the fluid.

The Mayo Clinic reports that draining cerebrospinal fluid through surgery is only reserved for the most extreme cases of pseudotumor cerebri. However, it has a 85 percent success rate of relieving symptoms.

Once the PTC fluid build-up has ceased, physicians may talk with patients about lifestyle changes including dietary intake of sugar, salt and fat as a way to prevent another PTC fluid build-up from occurring.

PTC Birth Control Lawsuits

Birth control manufacturers Bayer and Pfizer have been hit with several birth control lawsuits. Plaintiffs filing PTC lawsuits allege that manufacturers downplayed the serious side effects of birth control by not fully warning consumers.

In general, birth control lawsuit plaintiffs seek financial compensation for economic loss, medical bills as well as the pain and suffering they have endured because of pseudotumor cerebri. Some plaintiffs seek additional compensation for the permanent damage PTC caused including partial or complete loss of vision.

Contact a birth control attorney to find out if you should join a birth control class action lawsuit or file a PTC lawsuit as an individual.