Symptoms Mimicking a Brain Tumor? It Could Be Linked to Birth Control
San Diego, CA, December 23, 2015 (Newswire.com) - Individuals that believe hormonal birth control has been causing them to suffer symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri, or another debilitating neurological conditions including intracranial hypertension should consult a knowledgeable drug injury attorney as soon as possible to explore possible compensation options.
What is Pseudotumor Cerebri?
Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) is a medical term that literally translates to “false brain tumor,” which is indicative of how the condition presents in most people. Symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri, also known as idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), typically mimic those of a brain tumor when no actual tumor is present, and may include the following:
· Severe headaches
· Nausea
· Vomiting
· Dizziness
· Problems walking
· Vision loss
· Ringing in the ears
· Brief episodes of blindness
In some cases of pseudotumor cerebri, the elevated level of cerebrospinal fluid inside the skull puts pressure on the optic nerve, which can cause progressively worsening vision and may even result in permanent blindness.
Neurological Side Effects of Mirena IUD
Mirena IUD is an intrauterine device that is inserted into the uterus for long-term birth control, which the implant achieves by releasing a type of progestin called levonorgestrel directly into the uterus, preventing pregnancy for up to five years after insertion. Since Mirena first entered the market in 2000, it has become the most popular form of reversible birth control in the world, seen as a more convenient and effective alternative to once-daily oral contraceptives. However, in recent years, a growing number of studies have sought to examine the potential for Mirena IUD to cause major side effects in users, including pseudotumor cerebri.
Studies Linking Birth Control to PTC
One of the first studies tying Mirena IUD to PTC side effects was published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1995, and the researchers involved in the study drew a link between intracranial hypertension and the use of birth control products containing the hormone levonorgestrel. More recently, research presented at the 2015 annual meeting for the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology indicated that “exposure to a [levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system] was significantly associated with the development of [idiopathic intracranial hypertension],” and that Mirena use is “disproportionately more common among IIH patients than non-IIH patients.”
Contact a Drug Injury Lawyer to Discuss Filing a Claim
Bayer Healthcare is currently facing product liability lawsuits filed on behalf of consumers who allege that the medical device maker intentionally downplayed the potential link between Mirena and neurological side effects like pseudotumor cerebri. If you have experienced symptoms of pseudotumor cerebri, and you believe Mirena IUD or another type of hormonal birth control to be the cause, contact an experienced product liability lawyer today for legal help. With a knowledgeable attorney on your side, you can ensure that your legal rights are protected and pursue the financial compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
More information is available on Pseudotumor Cerebri lawsuit information at the Pseudotumor Cerebri Legal Help Center.
