Nuvaring Class Action Suit

by Steve Fields on November 14th, 2011

The contraceptive ring has been linked to an increased risk of blood clots. If clots form within the carotid arteries, or arrive in the arteries from other areas of the body, they can obstruct blood flow to the brain. Currently, there is no Nuvaring class action suit in the United States and claims are being filed individually by women and families. This will cause one or more Nuvaring side effects stroke symptoms depending on where the brain injury occurs. Symptoms can include vision problems, partial paralysis, an inability to speak as well as other impairments. In most cases, they present abruptly and become severe within minutes as the affected brain tissue begins to die.

Doctors may be able to form an early diagnosis of a stroke by noting the patient’s symptoms. Even when this is the case, however, diagnostic tests must be ordered to confirm the suspicion prior to treatment. This is important for ruling out a hemorrhagic stroke as well as other conditions. Below, we’ll describe how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), one of the most accurate studies for detecting a stroke, is performed.

How A Cranial MRI Works

While computed tomography (CT) scanning uses ionizing radiation, MRI employs a magnetic field and radio waves. You will be asked to lie on a table that slides into a large tubular machine. A powerful magnet is encased within the machine. It encircles your body, and creates a magnetic field that causes hydrogen atoms to align. Then, radio frequency pulses are sent toward the hydrogen atoms. They bounce back and produce a return signature, which is used by a computer to construct an image of your brain.

Each image is called a slice, and requires up to 15 minutes to create. A series of images are taken, and used to build a 3-dimensional model of your brain tissue and arteries. This model helps your doctor detect blockages in the carotid arteries that suggest stroke.

A cranial MRI is noninvasive and painless. In many cases, however, doctors will use a contrast dye – through IV or via an injection – to provide clearer visualization. This is a variation of a conventional MRI called magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). The dye flows through the venous and arterial systems, and eventually finds its way into the carotid arteries. Because the contrast agent displays on MRI images, it allows your doctor to more easily locate arterial blockages in the brain.

Interpreting Results And Diagnosing A Stroke

While a cranial MRI is more sensitive – and thus more accurate – than CT scanning, a CT is typically done first. The reason is to classify the type of stroke, distinguishing between a hemorrhagic and ischemic episode. CT imaging can also help the doctor rule out competing diagnoses, such as infection, abscesses, and hormonal abnormalities. Once hemorrhage and other conditions have been excluded, an MRI can confirm a In many cases, a CT scan will rule out some competing diagnoses, but not others. Here, the challenge for doctors is to interpret the results of the MRI (or MRA). For instance, is a blockage in the carotid arteries due to a blood clot or tumor? Is it caused by a buildup of plaque within the artery? These and other factors must be taken into account to determine whether you are experiencing Nuvaring stroke symptoms, or an event triggered by other circumstances.

When blood clots have been isolated as the cause of a stroke, it is important to identify their origin. The presence of clots within the carotid arteries suggests a high likelihood of future ischemia. For example, if clots have arrived in the carotid arteries after forming in the heart, your doctor may test for an arrhythmia or pulmonary hypertension. Treating the underlying cause will reduce the chances of a future stroke.

Stroke symptoms may be barely noticeable or life-changing depending on the part of your brain that suffers injury. You might experience mild and intermittent tingling on one side of your body. Or, you may suffer one-sided paralysis that makes it impossible to perform your normal daily activities. If you have suffered from blood clots, stroke, or other serious Nuvaring side effects, you may be able to file a claim against the contraceptive ring’s manufacturer. Contact a Nuvaring lawsuit lawyer to discuss your case. We are representing individual women in bringing claims against the manufacturer. Currently, there is no national Nuvaring class action lawsuit in the United States.