Pseudotumor cerebri is a neurological condition that may result in brain-tumor like symptoms due to pressure on the brain.

What is pseudotumor cerebri?

According to the Mayo Clinic, pseudotumor cerebri, also known as intracranial hypertension, occurs when the pressure within the skull is increased beyond normal levels.

The condition is characterized by symptoms closely resembling those of a brain tumor, although no brain tumor is present. Symptoms may include headaches or migraines originating behind the eyes, ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred or dimmed vision, brief episodes of blindness, poor peripheral vision, double vision, seeing light flashes, and pain in the neck, shoulder, or back.

What causes pseudotumor cerebri?

It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of intracranial hypertension, but it may occur when an individual has too much cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid is produced in the skull, surrounds both the brain and spinal cord, and helps to protect the central nervous system from damage.

When there is too much cerebrospinal fluid in the body, the pressure within a patient’s skull can increase – resulting in pseudotumor cerebri. Usually, cerebrospinal fluid is absorbed into the blood stream after being produced by the brain and serving its purpose. It is unclear whether flawed absorption or excessive production of cerebrospinal fluid play a role in the development of pseudotumor cerebri.

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a variety of risk factors for intracranial hypertension. Obesity is one risk factor and the condition is most often recorded in women under the age of 44 who are overweight. Medications such as growth hormones, tetracycline, and vitamin A have also been linked to the intracranial hypertension. Additionally, pseudotumor cerebri may be linked to the following conditions and diseases:

• Addison’s disease
• Anemia
• Behcet’s syndrome
• Blood-clotting disorders
• Lupus
• Kidney disease
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Sleep apnea
• Underactive parathyroid glands
• Uremia

Does the Mirena cause pseudotumor cerebri?

Some consumers claim that the Mirena IUD can cause intracranial hypertension. Mirena is a long term birth control device that, like other IUDs, is inserted into the uterus. Once placed in the uterus, the hormone releases levonorgestrel (a synthetic form of progesterone) to prevent pregnancy.

“Mirena^® is a hormone-releasing IUD that is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy for as long as you want, for up to 5 years. Mirena can be used whether or not you have had a child,” the IUD website notes. “Mirena also treats heavy periods in women who choose intrauterine contraception.”

Although the IUD is touted as over 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy, Mirena side effects, including pseudotumor cerebri, have been reported.

Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Bayer, the IUD’s manufacturer, claiming that the device is dangerous. Some plaintiffs argue that the hormones released by the Mirena are uncontrolled and that they flood the body in unforeseen ways. This allegedly leads to serious side effects such as an increased amount of cerebrospinal fluid – thereby causing pseudotumor cerebri.

If you had the Mirena and later developed pseudotumor cerebri (intracranial hypertension), you may be able to speak to a qualified Mirena attorney who can help evaluate your case.