Patients are reportedly experiencing excruciating headaches after having an IUD implanted. Women with these symptoms may be suffering from Mirena intracranial hypertension.

Made by Bayer, Mirena is an intrauterine device (IUD) shaped like a “T” that is placed in the uterus as a birth control method. A synthetic progestin hormone called levonogestrel (LNG) is released by Mirena for up to five years after implantation.

Studies indicate Mirena intracranial hypertension, also known as pseudotumor cerebri, develops in some women who have received the implant. Symptoms include migraine-like headaches, double vision or blurred vision, temporary blindness, blind spots or other visual aberrations. These symptoms mimic the pressure that a tumor would place on the optic nerve, which is why it is called a pseudotumor.

Other symptoms can include dizziness, ringing in the ears, a stiff neck, depression, nausea or vomiting, and problems walking. Forgetfulness and depression might occur, as well.

The Mirena IUD and some birth control pills have been linked to the development of pseudotumor cerebri.

Causes of Mirena Intracranial Hypertension

While the exact cause is unknown, doctors believe Mirena somehow interferes with the body’s normal absorption of cerebrospinal fluid back into the bloodstream. The cerebrospinal fluid is produced by the body to protect the brain and spinal cord and acts as a type of shock absorber. The fluid is constantly produced and reabsorbed into the bloodstream on a regular basis, but when too much of the fluid builds up, the pressure causes the same symptoms that a tumor would cause.

A doctor can treat Mirena intracranial hypertension by performing a lumbar puncture to relieve the built-up fluid. A hollow needle is inserted into the lumbar area, drawing out excess cerebrospinal fluid, which is then tested for infection. Patients with Mirena intracranial hypertension and no other pathological issue will have normal test results. In severe cases, the patient might need therapeutic shunting, which means the doctor inserts a tube to assist in the draining of the cerebrospinal fluid from the skull or from the lower back.

Mirena’s synthetic progestin hormone levonogestrel might cause an increase in hormonal side effects, including an increased risk of pseudotumor cerebri. Most other hormonal contraceptives on the market contain a form of estrogen and not just progestin.

Many women who have experienced severe headaches and have had to endure lumbar punctures allege they were never warned the dangerous condition could be a side effect of the Mirena IUD or of their birth control pills. Bayer, Pfizer, and other pharmaceutical companies have faced multiple lawsuits filed by women who say they would have never chosen the birth control method had they known they could suffer from Mirena intracranial hypertension.

If you have suffered from Mirena intracranial hypertension after undergoing implantation or after taking a birth control pill, you could benefit from speaking with an attorney regarding your legal options.