Nuvaring And Stroke News

by Steve Fields on February 15th, 2010

NuvaRing and stroke problems are the result of one or more blood clots that migrate into a carotid artery from another part of your body. This can occur when clots form within deep veins (typically in the legs) and become detached from their site. Once they have broken away, they can be carried by your bloodstream to – and through – your heart before making their way toward your brain.

Your carotid arteries supply your brain with blood, oxygen, and nutrients. If NuvaRing blood clots enter and block one of these blood vessels, the nerve cells that are supplied by the artery will starve and fail to work properly. Because these nerve cells control your body’s various functions (e.g. vision, balance, movement, etc.), you will suffer some level of impairment.

When brain cells starve, they begin dying within minutes. Because they are not replaced, you may suffer long-term side effects after experiencing a severe NuvaRing stroke. Below, you’ll discover some of the lasting impacts of stroke, including problems with your vision, speech, cognition, memory, and your ability to move.

Vision And Speech Difficulties

Most vision problems result from a stroke that affects either the left or right portions of your cerebrum (the top and front areas of your brain). If the left hemisphere is affected, you may lose the ability to see out of the right side of each eye. If stroke affects the right hemisphere, your field of view will be limited on the left side of each eye.

Stroke-induced speech problems come in two forms: dysarthria and aphasia. Dysarthria is defined by an inability to use the muscles that normally generate speech. Slurring is an example. Aphasia is an inability to understand or use the proper words. This can occur if a NuvaRing stroke damages the part of the cerebrum that controls cognition.

Memory Problems

Your memory can become impaired if you suffer stroke that damages nerve cells in the left or right hemispheres of your cerebrum. On the left side, memory difficulties usually manifest through reduced retention spans and an inability to remember new information. On the right side, problems are typically exclusive to short-term memory. You may be able to remember your wedding from twenty years ago, but be unable to recall what you ate for lunch.

Weakness And Paralysis

NuvaRing strokes can cause weakness and paralysis on the opposite side of your body as the portion of your cerebrum that sustained damage. For example, a left-hemisphere stroke can affect the right side of your body. Similarly, a right-hemisphere stroke may affect your left side. Weakness is referred to as hemiparesis; paralysis is called hemiplegia. Both may be accompanied by sensory impairment.

While stroke-related problems associated with vision, speech, memory, and paralysis are common, there are many other potential side effects of NuvaRing stroke. For example, if your cerebellum (underneath your cerebrum) suffers damage, you may lose coordination and balance, and experience dizziness and nausea. If a stroke occurs in the brain stem (the lower portion of your brain), it can affect your breathing, heart function, and your ability to chew and swallow.

It is important to underscore that a NuvaRing stroke begins with the formation of blood clots. Some women have experienced abnormal clotting after using this birth control ring. If you have suffered blood clots, DVT, stroke, or other NuvaRing problems, you may be able to file a claim against the manufacturer. Contact a NuvaRing litigation attorney to discuss your legal rights, including seeking compensation for your injuries.