Is ADEM related to vaccinations?
ADEM, or Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, is a rare autoimmune disease resulting in rapid fever, loss of consciousness, and widespread inflammation of the nervous system. Many of its symptoms are similar to Multiple Sclerosis. Although rare, it is associated with complications resulting from vaccinations in children, teens, and adults.
In a study conducted by four doctors in Houston Texas, an 83-year-old woman who suffered pain, fever, weakness, and decreased verbal response was examined. Eight days prior to the examination, she had received a seasonal flu shot. The patient underwent a litany of tests, including a physical exam, a CT scan, an MRI, and CSF analysis. But, treatments based on multiple preliminary diagnoses all yielded no results. The patient’s mental condition worsened and new symptoms, like respiratory failure, created additional problems. After 24 days of hospitalization, the doctors determined that this patient suffered from ADEM. Once the proper course of treatment began, the patient saw immediate improvement.
ADEM only affects 8 people per million. Of those affected, only 5% cases are the result of vaccines, one or two for every million people vaccinated. It is related to a number of different vaccinations, including rabies, DTAP, smallpox, MMR, and Hepatitis B to name a few. It occurs more commonly after the initial vaccination as opposed to after a booster shot. In a thirty-year period, fifteen published reports were produced linking ADEM to the influenza vaccine alone.
This disease is incredibly painful and life altering. The patient in the aforementioned case study spent the rest of her life in rehabilitation where she passed away due to an unrelated illness. If you are experiencing strange symptoms and doctors cannot seem to find the proper diagnosis, it is important to make sure they are aware of your recent vaccinations, including a flu shot.
If you or someone you know has suffered from complications related to an inoculation, contact vaccine law attorney Leah Durant today. Call her at (202) 775-9200 for a free, no obligation consultation.