What is Guillain-Barre Syndrome?
Guillain-Barre Syndrome, or GBS, is a rare disorder in which a person’s immune system damages his or her nervous system, causing muscle weakness and, sometimes, paralysis. It can lead to long-term nerve damage and, in very rare instances, death, usually due to difficulty breathing. An estimated 3,000-6,000 people contract GBS in the United States each year.
One of several potential causes of GBS is an adverse reaction to a vaccination. Anyone can contract it, but the older a potential patient, the more likely the diagnosis. According to the Center for Disease Control, the background rate of GBS is 80 to 160 cases per week.
In 1976, there was an increase in the prevalence of GBS. In 2003, an investigation by the Institute of Medicine found that the increased rate of GBS was related to having received the 1976 swine flu vaccine. Unfortunately, this confirmation by the IOM came too late to help anyone affected by it. The Center for Disease Control maintains that the benefits of the vaccination outweighed the dangers, even in 1976.
If you or a loved one is suffering from a condition such as GBS, ADEM, or another adverse reaction to a vaccination, you can make a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. To learn more about this program, contact vaccine law attorney Leah Durant today. She has the experience and knowledge to help safeguard your rights as you deal with recovery. Call her now at (202) 775-9200 for a free, no obligation consultation.