Intracranial Hypertension
Intracranial hypertension is a medical condition related to high pressure in the spaces that surround the spinal cord and brain. The space is filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a clear colorless liquid that is designed to cushion the brain and spinal cord, provide nourishment, and carry away waste from the central nervous system.
What Are The Symptoms?
The most common symptoms of intracranial hypertension are:
- Headaches
- Vision loss
- Blind Spots
- Poor peripheral vision
- Temporary episodes of blindness
- Ringing of the ears.
How Is Intracranial Hypertension Diagnosed?
Intracranial hypertension is often characterized as a diagnosis by exclusion. This means a comprehensive medical evaluation takes place and possible cause are excluded. Often times after exclusion of many possible causes a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is performed to measure the cerebrospinal fluid pressure and to collect fluid for analysis. Depending on the outcome of this procedure further diagnostic tests such as brain imaging and optic evaluation are performed.
The Mirena Connection
Substantial medical studies support a link between the Mirena® IUD and increased intracranial hypertension. The link was established as early as early as 1995 when medical researchers wrote about the association between pseudotumor cerebri (increased intracranial pressure) and the levonogrestrel contraceptive Norplant®. Based on the analysis of the Food & Drug Administration’s adverse event reports, the authors found 39 cases of increased intracranial hypertension. Based on this the authors speculated, but did not confirm, that Norplant may have caused 39 cases of intracranial hypertension in women who used the Norplant device. Interestingly, the label and the package insert for Norplant warned about the risk of pseudotumor cerebri with Norplant use. Mirena contains levonogrestrel just as Norplant.
Because of the previous association of pseudotrumor cerebri with levonorgestrel and the accompanying warning of increased intracranial hypertension by the manufacture of the Norplant system, it would seem reasonable that the manufacturer of the Mirena® IUD, Bayer, would have warned physicians and users of the device of the substantial risk of pseudotumor cerebri. Thus, a Mirena® IUD case is a classic failure to warn case.
How We Can Help
If you or your loved were diagnosed with Intracranial Hypertension or Pseudotumor Cerebri while using the Mirena IUD you have many questions. We are here to answer your questions. The James Esparza Law Firm has helped many individuals and families rebuild their lives after life altering injuries. We can help you too. Call 1-800-745-4050.