As many legal and medical experts are now aware, certain types of birth control allegedly cause severe side effects. One of these side effects is pseudotumor cerebri, which involves intense headaches and other painful symptoms.

While the exact cause of this condition is not known, medical experts believe that certain oral contraceptives and IUD birth control products are somehow causing an increased production of cerebrospinal fluid. Also known as intracranial hypertension, this medical condition increases pressure in the skull and causes symptoms similar to those that one would feel from a brain tumor. The signs and symptoms of intracranial pressure include:

• Headaches
• Migraines
• Dizziness
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Changes in vision
• Ringing or “whooshing” in the ears
• Problems Walking
• Neck stiffness
• Forgetfulness
• Depression

Patients who have experienced pseudotumor cerebri symptoms describe severe headaches that originated behind their eyes and worsen when they move their eyes. Women have reported that the severe headaches get worse during exercise, or other types of physical exertion. Other patients report hearing a persistent ringing in their ears that pulses with their heartbeat, along with nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. In severe cases, patients have reported brief episodes of blindness and other vision obscurities. If left unreported, this can result in permanent partial vision loss or blindness.

Overview of Pseudotumor Cerebri Causes

Cerebrospinal fluid is a naturally occurring spongy material that acts as a cushion to protect the brain and spinal cord from injury, preventing severe damage and adding necessary protection to those vital areas. The brain constantly produces the fluid, which is then reabsorbed into the bloodstream. The process usually does not pose any complications.

However, when the body produces an excessive amount of cerebrospinal fluid the extra fluid builds up in the brain. The build up eventually creates the migraines and vision complications associated with the pseudotumor cerebri or “false brain tumor.”

Pseuotumor cerebri may occur with or without birth control, but studies have shown a strong link between the condition and contraceptives. As early as 1995, experts noticed a significant increase in pseudotumor cerebri cases in conjunction with levonorgestral exposure. Levonorgestral is a second-generation synthetic progestin commonly found in many birth control products like the Mirena IUD and Yaz and Yasmin birth control pills.

Recent studies have also indicated that other pseudotumor cerebri causes may be linked to two large sinuses in the brain. Further studies are investigating whether this is a cause or effect of pseudotumor cerebri.

Despite how many popular birth control products this condition is linked to, none of the manufacturers reportedly warned women about possible pseudotumor cerebri side effects. Several women have taken legal action against the manufacturing companies, claiming that the companies either knew or should have known of the risk of pseudotumor cerebri, and should have warned consumers accordingly.