The birth control injection Depo Provera has been linked with Depo Provera pseudotumor cerebri (PTC). Pseudotumor cerebri, or “false brain tumor,” may not be an actual tumor, but it can cause serious problems.

Depo Provera Basics

Depo Provera and other birth control injections have been linked with Depo Provera pseudotumor cerebriside effects, which mimic the symptoms of a brain tumor. While Depo Provera pseudotumor cerebri is not a fatal condition, it can cause considerable damage, so medical treatment should be sought as soon as possible to avoid permanent complications.

Depo Provera, often just called the “depo shot,” is a popular form of birth control made of the hormone progesterone, and is injected into the arm or buttocks. Progestin is used to prevent ovulation, and therefore prevent pregnancy. When treated with progestin, the cervical mucus gets thicker, which means that sperm can’t get through.

Women who choose to use Depo Provera must be re-injected every 3 months (12 weeks) for full protection. Starting your Depo Provera treatment shots within the first 7 days after your period starts protects from pregnancy immediately.

At any other time in your cycle, another form of birth control is required on top of the shot for the first week in order to more effectively prevent pregnancy. It should be noted that a birth control shot, unlike a condom, does not protect from sexually transmitted diseases.

While a Depo Provera shot is generally considered both safe and convenient, recent studies have linked this birth control and others like it with a condition known as pseudotumor cerebri.

Depo Provera Pseudotumor Cerebri

Any medical device or medication will come with certain side effects. However, the risk of pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) is not included on the warning label for the product. Depo Provera has been linked with PTC via reports and studies.

Pseudotumor cerebri, which means “false brain tumor,” is named for being connected to the symptoms of brain tumors without actually involving real tumors. Essentially, pseudotumor cerebri is a medical condition caused by increased pressure in a person’s skull. This pressure, in turn, causes symptoms very similar to those associated with a brain tumor. This increased pressure can be caused by the build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the skull.

Symptoms of Depo Provera pseudotumor cerebri include:

• Headaches
• Migraines
• Dizziness
• Nausea (and vomiting
• Ringing in the ears
• Forgetfulness
• Problems walking
• Neck stiffness

In many cases, medications can reduce the damaging pressure, but in other cases, surgery is needed.

Depo Provera Pseudotumor Cerebri Lawsuits

If you or someone you love has used Depo Provera or a similar birth control injection and has suffered from side effects like Depo Provera psuedotumor cerebri as a result, you may be able to file a pseudotumor cerebri lawsuit.

While filing a lawsuit cannot take away the pain and suffering caused by Depo Provera pseudotumor cerebri side effects, it can help to alleviate the financial burden of medical expenses and lost wages.