When birth control pills "attack" the brain

The Stroke Department – ​​Institute of Neurology (108 Central Military Hospital) has recently successfully treated two young female patients with stroke due to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis – a dangerous but easily overlooked disease, especially in women of reproductive age and those using oral contraceptives for a long time.

The first patient, of childbearing age, was admitted to the hospital in critical condition. The patient started with a headache for several days, then severe pain, when admitted to the hospital he was in a state of impaired consciousness, continuous generalized convulsions, deep coma, quadriplegia, and dilated pupils. At the hospital, the doctor diagnosed a large cerebral hemorrhage with bilateral parietal lobe transformation due to superior sagittal sinus thrombosis and sinus junction. After intensive treatment, the patient became alert, was able to be taken off the ventilator, communicated, and had some active activities.

Another young female patient was admitted to the hospital because of: persistent headache, progressive weakness in the left side of the body, difficulty walking for several days. After examination, the doctor determined that she had a cerebral infarction in the right temporal region due to thrombosis in the straight sinus, sigmoid sinus, and left transverse sinus...

Similarly, the Stroke Center (Bach Mai Hospital) has also recently admitted two female patients with a history of taking birth control pills. The first patient was admitted with a severe headache accompanied by convulsions. The patient was diagnosed with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis with hemorrhage. Despite intensive treatment, she was left with mild numbness on one side of her body and needed a long time to recover. The other patient was also admitted with a persistent headache and was diagnosed with cerebral venous thrombosis but fortunately recovered after 1 week of treatment.

Risks of abusing birth control pills

The estrogen component in birth control pills can activate blood clotting by increasing the concentration of fibrinogen and prothrombin - factors that promote blood clot formation. At the same time, estrogen also reduces protein S, a natural blood clotting inhibitor of the body. For people with the Factor V Leiden gene mutation, the risk of blood clots when using birth control pills can increase 20-30 times.

In Vietnam, according to a study by Tu Du Hospital and Obstetrics Institute C (2021), nearly 50% of women of childbearing age have used birth control pills, of which nearly 20% used them continuously for >12 months without regular check-ups.

A study result shows: Women under 35 years old, smokers, overweight or have a history of blood clots or stroke need to be especially careful when using birth control pills.

According to Master, Doctor Dinh Trung Hieu - Stroke Center (Bach Mai Hospital), birth control pills are effective and have undeniable value to the community. However, when using birth control pills, there is also a potential increased risk of blood clots. During use, if you notice any unusual symptoms such as increasing headaches, increased pain at night, pain relievers not helping, especially if you have unusual muscle spasms or are not conscious, you should go to a medical facility immediately. During the examination, pay attention to providing complete information about the type of medicine and the time of use.

Here, the doctor recommends: "Women should have regular health check-ups. Consult a doctor before taking birth control pills, especially if there are risk factors. Screen for genetic mutations if there is a family history of blood clotting disorders. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, drink enough water and avoid fasting when using birth control pills. Birth control pills are only truly safe when used properly and under the supervision of a doctor."

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/4-phu-nu-tre-dot-quy-do-dung-thuoc-tranh-thai-keo-dai-loi-canh-tinh-tu-bac-si-post545426.html