A recent study has linked Pfizer’s Depo-Provera shot with a significant increased risk in developing meningiomas. The study, conducted by the French National Health Insurance and the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety, analyzed data from over 100,000 women and determined that women who used the birth control shot for extended periods had a 5.6-time higher risk of developing meningioma tumors.
Although meningiomas are generally benign, the location where these tumors appear can result in many complications; in addition, these tumors must be surgically removed or may require aggressive treatments when surgery is not an option. If you or a loved one developed meningioma tumors due to the use of the depo shot, it is important that you seek legal help as soon as possible. Here at the Normandie Law Firm, our depo shot brain tumor lawsuit lawyers are more than ready to provide you with the guidance that you need to seek justice.
Below, we will provide you with information on the brain tumors that could occur due to the use of Depo-Provera.
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What is Meningioma Brain Tumor?
Meningiomas are tumors that form in the meninges, which are the protective membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord. In general, these tumors are benign, but they can be dangerous because of the locations where they appear.
There are three different types of tumors – Grade I Meningiomas, Grade II Meningiomas, and Grade III Meningiomas. These types of tumors are further described below:
- Grade I: these account for approximately 85% of all tumors. Grade I tumors include Angiomatous Meningioma, Fibrous (Fibroblastic) Meningioma, Lymphoplasmacyte-rich Meningioma, Meningothelial (Syncytial) Meningioma, Metaplastic Meningioma, Microcystic Meningioma, Psammomatous Meningioma, Secretory Meningioma, and Transitional (Mixed) Meningioma.
- Grade II: these have a more aggressive growth rate as well as a higher recurrence rate when compared to Grade I tumors. Grade II tumors include Atypical Meningioma, Clear Cell Meningioma, and Chordoid Meningioma.
- Grade III: these have the most aggressive growth rate and the highest recurrence rate. These can include Anaplastic (Malignant) Meningioma, Rhabdoid Meningioma, and Papillary Meningioma.
Symptoms Associated with Meningiomas
These tumors are associated with different symptoms and complications, which can include the following:
- Compression of the brainstem, which can affect all vital functions and could be life-threatening
- Compression of the auditory nerve, leading to hearing loss, hearing issues, and balance issues
- Compression of the optic nerve, leading to vision loss
- Increased intracranial pressure leading to hydrocephalus (symptoms could include headaches, nausea, vision problems)
- Issues with neurological function, including sensory loss, cognitive impairment, motor weakness, and difficulties with language
- Seizures
Without a doubt, these tumors could potentially prevent affected women from being able to do everyday tasks even if they are not considered life-threatening.
Where do Meningiomas Appear?
Meningiomas can potentially appear in the following locations:
- On the surface of the brain
- Between the two sides of the brain
- Within the chambers of the brain
- In the bones at the base of the skull or the bony ridge behind the eyes
- On the nerves that connect the brain to the nose
- On the underside of the brain near the cerebellum
- On the skull base behind the eyes
- Near the pituitary gland and optic nerve
- Where the brain connects to the brainstem
- In or around the eye sockets
- In the spine or against the spinal cord
Do I Need Surgery to Remove a Meningioma Tumor?
Yes, in most cases, surgery must be performed to remove the tumor. Of course, these surgeries come with their own risks, including infections, blood loss, and more. In general, most cases, removing the tumor immediately addresses the symptoms resulting from the tumor putting pressure on nerves or on the brain. However, there are some tumors that may be ineligible to be treated surgically, whether it is because of the location of the tumor or other possible complications.
Radiation Therapy: when surgery is not an option, the only option may be radiation therapy, for example. Of course, radiation therapy and other aggressive yet non-surgical treatment options come with additional risks.
In addition, any treatment option is likely to lead to extensive psychological harm, which may include depression, anxiety, fear, etc.
Who is Liable for Brain Tumors Caused by Depo Provera?
If you or a loved one developed a brain tumor or any meningioma tumor, you might be wondering if anyone could be held accountable. Considering that the birth control injection has been connected to an increased risk of meningiomas, the manufacturer of the birth control shot could be liable. That is, Pfizer (the manufacturer of the Depo Provera shot) can be liable for failing to identify and warn of the possible effects or risks associated with the use of their birth control shot.
In other words, Pfizer could be sued by those affected by the Depo shot. If you or a member of your family suffered a brain tumor because of the use of the depo shot, please do not hesitate to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. You could be eligible to file an injury claim, wrongful death claim, or participate in a class action lawsuit against Pfizer.
Contact the Normandie Law Firm
If you or a loved one developed a meningioma and you are exploring the legal options available to you, please do not hesitate to reach out to our law firm. Our team has decades of experience and is fully committed to providing you with the guidance that you need to hold Pfizer accountable for the damages resulting from their dangerous birth control depo shot. We understand how difficult it can be to come forward and seek justice. We are committed to making the legal process as smooth as possible for you and your family. A part of this is offering free case evaluations, specifically free consultations and free second opinions. During our free case evaluations, our experts will be available to answer all your questions and address all your concerns; we will be available to provide you with all the information that you need to start or continue your claim. If you are ready to schedule a free case review, contact us today.
Zero-Fee Guarantee – you will never be required to pay any upfront legal costs for our legal services. In addition, our law firm works on contingency, meaning that our clients will not be responsible for paying any legal costs if their claims are not successful. If you do not win, you simply will not be required to pay anything at all.
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