For some women, Yaz gallbladder side effects have caused health problems that required hospitalization, medications, and in some cases, even Yaz gallbladder removal surgery. The connection between this oral contraceptive and gallstones is often unclear. Some people believe the hormones contained in Yaz, while effective for reducing the likelihood of pregnancy, cause a number of unintended side effects, including stones.

Estrogen and an artificial progestin called drospirenone are thought to cause two outcomes that affect the gallbladder. First, these two hormones increase cholesterol output from the liver. This cholesterol is secreted into bile fluid, which flows into the gall bladder. Second, they reduce the gallbladder’s contraction activity – both frequency and force. This allows cholesterol-heavy bile fluid to remain within the organ. These factors set the stage for the formation of biliary sludge and stones.

Biliary Sludge Explained

Reduced gall bladder motility allows bile, calcium salts, bilirubin, and excess cholesterol secreted by your liver, to accumulate. These compounds collect and form a thick substance called biliary sludge. The composition of this material can vary depending on the availability of each compound, but the end results are usually the same.

Three circumstances can develop. First, the sludge may resolve on its own, causing few to no symptoms. Second, the material can evolve into gallstones. Third, the sludge may exit the gallbladder when the organ contracts, thereby moving into the cystic and common bile ducts. If you have suffered from problems after using this birth control pill, please contact us for the latest Yaz gallbladder settlement news.

This last circumstance can produce side effects similar to those caused by stones. The biliary sludge can form an obstruction in the duct, preventing bile from flowing past. If bile backs up to the gall bladder, it can trigger inflammation within the inner lining of the organ. This is characteristic of Yaz gallbladder disease.

The sludge may also flow past the juncture where the common bile duct merges with the pancreatic duct. If it forms a blockage in this area, pancreatic secretions will be prevented from flowing into the duodenum. This causes the pancreas to become inflamed, a serious condition known as pancreatitis.

Excess Cholesterol Contributes To Yaz And Gallstones

Gallstones are comprised of cholesterol, which is nearly insoluble. Once the compound has been secreted by the liver, it is transported to the gallbladder while contained in bile salts.

At normal levels, the cholesterol can be absorbed into the lining of the gall bladder, which prevents it from accumulating and crystallizing into hard particles. When excess levels of the compound are secreted, however, the organ cannot sufficiently absorb all of it. The cholesterol precipitates within the bile salts, partly aided by the lack of proper emptying due to decreased motility. Eventually, gallstones form.

Dangerous Side Effects Of Gallstones

Most stones are asymptomatic, and thus present no noticeable symptoms. However, abdominal pain may erupt quickly if the gall bladder suddenly becomes inflamed. The pain can last for hours, which is sufficient for most people to seek medical attention. During the event, you may also experience chills, nausea, and periodic bouts of vomiting.

The above symptoms are immediate indications of Yaz gallbladder disease. While they are physically taxing, the condition can cause side effects that are much more serious. For example, inflammation within the lining of the organ can cause bacteria to grow, leading to infection. In severe cases, this might cause a perforation to develop in the gall bladder, an event that is potentially life-threatening.

Infection can also spread throughout the common bile duct if stones migrate into the duct and form a blockage. If antibiotics are unsuccessful in controlling the infection, it will climb toward your liver, potentially causing damage to the organ.

Stones that migrate closer to the sphincter of Oddi can, like biliary sludge, block fluids secreted by the pancreas. As described above, this leads to pancreatitis.

Gallstones and gall bladder problems are among the more serious Yaz side effects that otherwise healthy women have experienced. If you or someone you know has suffered stones or gallbladder disease after using this birth control pill, contact an experienced birth control lawyer. Find out whether you should file a Yaz lawsuit gallbladder claim against the manufacturer.

Yaz problems involving a stroke occur when a portion of the brain becomes injured. This happens when a blood vessel bursts and floods the surrounding tissue, or becomes blocked so blood is prevented from reaching the brain. Functions controlled by the affected area become impaired. You might lose the ability to move one side of your body, see clearly, speak, or comprehend what others are saying. Please contact us for the latest Yaz lawsuit 2010 news and information.

It’s possible to regain much of the function lost as the result of a stroke. This is accomplished with the help of physical, speech, and occupational therapists. However, it’s worth noting that a Yaz stroke is potentially fatal. The following circumstances, though rare, can lead to severe impairments, and in some cases, death.

Yaz And Blood Clots In The Basilar Artery

Most strokes occur in the cerebrum, a part of your brain that influences abilities related to speech, movement, cognition, memory, and emotions (among other functions). They can also affect the cerebellum, the area that controls your coordination, balance, and muscle activity. While impaired function is common in both cases, they seldom lead to death.

On rare occasions, a stroke can impact the brainstem. This is the area of your brain that influences critical functions, such as your heart rate, breathing, body temperature, and blood pressure. It is supplied with oxygen-rich blood by the basilar artery. Blood clots that migrate into this artery can create a blockage that prevents blood from reaching the brainstem. Death is common with this type of stroke.

Ischemia In “Watershed” Areas Of The Brain

Certain areas of your brain are referred to as “watershed” areas. They are located at the farthest reaches of arterial perfusion and thus, are especially susceptible to drops in blood pressure. Insufficient blood pressure causes ischemia, which quickly results in the death of the brain tissue. Claims for side effects caused by Yaz are being brought individually and currently there is no national Yaz class action lawsuit.

Watershed areas control functions related to large groups of muscles located throughout your body. As such, a stroke that affects these areas, while rarely deadly, can result in severe paralysis.

Bleeding In The Brain

Hemorrhagic strokes are caused by different factors than those which cause ischemia, or insufficient blood flow. These factors include aneurysms, trauma to the head, and elevated blood pressure in the arteries supplying the brain tissue. When a blood vessel ruptures, the area is flooded, which causes nearby tissue to be pressed against the skull. This increases the pressure placed upon the tissue and eventually causes the affected portion of the brain to stop functioning.

This type of stroke must be treated immediately and aggressively. Otherwise, even small ruptures can cause extensive brain damage and death.

Large Ischemic Strokes

Most ichemic strokes are caused by blood clots that form within one of the arteries of the brain or elsewhere in the body. In the latter case, the clot breaks free from its venous mooring and migrates to the brain. It travels down a blood vessel until the passage narrows to the point where it can migrate no further. The clot forms a blockage and prevents blood from flowing to the underlying tissue.

This usually occurs in smaller blood vessels that supply oxygen and blood to small portions of the brain. As such, the accompanying impairments are also small. Large embolic strokes, however, can clog large arteries that supply a significant portion of the brain. Impairments are often severe in such cases and can occasionally be fatal if left untreated.

Fortunately, most stroke problems caused by Yaz side effects are limited in nature. Impairments of functions controlled by the affected areas of the brain can be addressed successfully through patient rehabilitation. On rare occasions, though, the event can cause extensive brain injury and death.

If you have suffered blood clots, stroke, or other dangerous Yaz side effects, you may be able to file a claim for compensation for your injuries. Contact a Yaz lawsuit attorney to discuss your case.