The danger of Yaz and stroke side effects has some women concerned about the different risk factors involved with this newer birth control pill. When a blockage prevents blood from reaching your brain, or a blood vessel that supplies your brain bursts and floods the surrounding tissue, you will experience stroke. It happens quickly and the side effects are often severe and permanent. Millions of women may be vulnerable to ischemic stroke (i.e. blocked blood vessel) as a result of taking Yaz birth control pills. This popular contraceptive contains estrogen and drospirenone (a synthetic progestin), a combination that can lead to Yasmin strokes.
This article will describe the process by which Yaz can cause blood clots that reach and block a carotid artery. You’ll discover the symptoms that characterize Yaz stroke as well as what to expect after you receive treatment.
How Yaz Blood Clots Can Block A Carotid Artery
The risk of blood clots has always been present when using estrogen-based oral contraceptives. However, many women are unaware that the risk is notably higher when taking Yaz birth control pills. In 2009, the British Medical Journal published a sobering study. It showed that combining estrogen and drospirenone (as is the case with Yaz) led to a 6.3-fold increase in the likelihood of clotting when compared to non-use.
Blood clots often form within a deep vein of the leg, pelvis, or arm (a condition called deep vein thrombosis, or DVT). If the clot breaks away from the site, it can be carried along with your bloodstream and travel toward a carotid artery.
Your carotid arteries supply your brain with blood and oxygen. If a clot is large enough, it can block the artery and starve a portion of your brain. The result is ischemic stroke. If the carotid artery is already restricted due to an accumulation of fatty deposits, even a small clot can cause Yaz stroke symptoms.
Common Symptoms Of Yaz And Stroke
Within minutes of suffering a Yaz stroke, your brain tissue will begin to die. Symptoms usually manifest rapidly. If a blood clot forms a blockage within an internal carotid artery, symptoms can include partial blindness, paralysis on one side of your body, and marked weakness. If the blockage occurs within a vertebral artery, or one of its related branches, you might experience dizziness, double vision, and a general weakness throughout your body.
There are many symptoms that can manifest regardless of the location of the blood clot. For example, you might suffer a loss of balance or coordination, slurred speech, and incontinence.
What To Expect After Suffering Stroke
Treatment for Yaz stroke can range from anticoagulants and thrombolytic drugs to invasive surgery, such as carotid endarterectomy. It is possible to enjoy a relatively healthy life following stroke. However, it’s worth noting that 40% of victims require some level of long-term care, and 10% must be placed in a nursing home or similar facility. Also, it is estimated that one in four victims will suffer a subsequent stroke within five years.
Living a healthy life after experiencing a Yasmin stroke requires constant vigilance. Your doctor will recommend important dietary and lifestyle changes. He or she will also help you develop an exercise routine that will reduce the likelihood of suffering another stroke. This is critical because subsequent strokes usually lead to further impairment.
Many women are genetically predisposed to abnormal clotting, but had never experienced blood clots until taking these birth control pills. If you or a loved one has suffered a stroke caused by Yaz after developing clots, you may have a legal claim. Contact a Yaz attorney to discuss your options.
