Millions of women use some sort of prescription birth control. And while birth control is usually safe, the fight for market share means some new products aren’t adequately tested. Others don’t carry the right warning labels and pose risks that no woman should face. These risks aren’t limited to the pill, either – they come with all contraception, from the shot to the implant to the IUD. Now, women are learning about the pseudotumor cerebri and Mirena link.
Pseudotumor Cerebri and Mirena: Is Levonorgestrel to Blame?
Levonorgestrel is an active ingredient in various birth control pills and devices that’s similar to progesterone. Unfortunately, the hormone also has causes many unwelcome side effects, including pseudotumor cerebri. A phrase meaning “false tumor,” it’s a brain condition that feels like one – but isn’t.
When birth control containing levonorgestrel is taken a pseudotumor cerebri results, cerebral fluid builds up in the brain and isn’t reabsorbed by the body the way it should be. As a result, several symptoms can occur:
- Light flashes
- Double vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Blindness (which can become permanent)
- Frequent headaches
- Ringing in the ears
Generally worse during physical activity, this pressure can be very painful and real for a patient, and the effects can sometimes be long-lasting.
Though it’s not a tumor, pseudotumor cerebri and mirena still requires treatment. Patients who think they might have PTC need a CT scan or MRI as well as a spinal tap. After PTC confirmation, your doctor may suggest surgery, lumbar puncture and shunting as well as prescription drugs. Needless to say, treatment is both uncomfortable and expensive. If you are diagnosed with pseduotumor cerebri after taking birth control with levonorgestrel, fill out your free claim review today.
Mirena and Uterine Perforation
Though pseudotumor cerebri and Mirena are known, linked risks, this IUD also poses the risk of uterine perforation. While many women turn to Mirena and other IUDs for long-term, effective birth control that requires little upkeep, foreign objects always pose a risk – one that is frequently not discussed by drug makers or doctors.
The device is inserted directly through the cervix into the uterus, where it stays for up to five years. Small strings dangle through the cervix, allowing for easy removal and monthly placements checks. IUDs work in part by deflecting sperm before it enters the uterus, providing very successful rates of birth control. Generally, this device stays in place and causes few problems. Every once in a while, however, the device can travel through the uterine wall, sometimes ending up in the abdomen.
While the pain (and distance) of this migration differs from person to person, it can sometimes cause infertility and necessitate several surgeries. As a result, countless women have filed lawsuits against drug maker Bayer. Plaintiffs’ allegations include failure to warn as well as negligence for both perforation and PTC. If you have adverse Mirena IUD side effects, get your free claim review see if you may qualify for compensation.
What You Can Do About Pseudotumor Cerebri and Mirena
If you or someone you know uses birth control of this nature and experienced injury, you may be eligible to file a pseudotumor cerebri lawsuit or Mirena lawsuit. Both birth control claims and Mirena lawsuits are on the rise, and more women are joining the fight every day. Before filing your claim, it’s a good idea to have your case reviewed by an attorney who is familiar with mass torts of this nature. He or she can help you be as successful as possible moving forward and get the damages you deserve.
Lori Polemenakos is Director of Consumer Content and SEO strategist for LeadingResponse, a legal marketing company. An award-winning journalist, writer and editor based in Dallas, Texas, she's produced articles for major brands such as Match.com, Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, Xfinity, Mail.com, and edited several published books. Since 2016, she's published hundreds of articles about Social Security disability, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, personal injury, mass tort, auto accident claims, bankruptcy, employment law and other related legal issues.