According to a report by Vietnamnet, the Institute of Neurology at the Central Military Hospital 108 has treated two young female patients who suffered strokes due to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. This type of stroke can be easily missed, especially in women of childbearing age who are on long-term birth control pills.
Life-threatening Consequences of Birth Control Pills
One of the patients, born in 1995, presented with headaches, weakness on the left side of her body, and difficulty in movement. By April 8th, when she was admitted to the hospital, she had significant left-side weakness, with muscle strength graded at 3/5.
After undergoing tests and examinations, she was diagnosed with a right temporal lobe infarction caused by thrombosis of the straight sinus, sigmoid sinus, and left transverse sinus. Fortunately, due to timely treatment before severe brain edema could set in, the patient has passed the critical stage, and her left-side paralysis is currently recovering.
The second case involved a patient born in 1989, who arrived at the hospital in critical condition, presenting with altered consciousness, continuous generalized seizures, deep coma, quadriplegia, and dilated pupils. Prior to this, she had experienced headaches that did not respond to pain medication, followed by more severe complications.
After undergoing a brain CT scan and cerebral angiography, she was diagnosed with a large bilateral frontal lobe hemorrhage caused by cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. She required mechanical ventilation, anti-edema treatment, thrombolysis with anticoagulants, and emergency craniectomy to relieve intracranial pressure. However, she was left with severe neurological deficits.
According to Dr. Nguyen Hai Linh from the Stroke Department of the Central Military Hospital 108, both patients had been taking daily birth control pills for an extended period.
Understanding the Link Between Birth Control Pills and Stroke
Birth control pills come in various types and may contain hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Long-term use of birth control pills containing estrogen can lead to serious side effects, particularly an increased risk of blood clot formation.
Statistically, the risk of developing blood clots is three to six times higher in individuals who take birth control pills daily compared to non-users. Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis can lead to life-threatening complications such as intracerebral hemorrhage or cerebral infarction (two forms of stroke) or a combination of both.
Precautions for Safer Use of Birth Control Pills
Women should consider various contraception methods such as pills, condoms, intrauterine devices, or sterilization. It is essential to consult a specialist before choosing a contraception method to ensure it is suitable for your individual needs.
Birth control pills come in different formulations and dosages, so it is crucial to follow the advice of medical professionals when selecting and using them. Women who smoke, consume alcohol, have high blood pressure, suffer from frequent headaches, or have a history of stroke are advised against long-term use of birth control pills as it may further elevate their risk.
While birth control pills offer a convenient and effective method of contraception for women, it is important to recognize their potential health risks. Women should carefully consider alternative, healthier options and choose contraception methods that align with their bodies’ needs while minimizing potential harm.
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