Neuromyelitis Optica Vaccine Injury Lawyer

Neuromyelitis optica, also known as Devic’s disease, is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the myelin cells in the optic nerve and the spinal cord. This disease can have a variety of different effects, including paralysis in some cases. While the cause of neuromyelitis optica remains unknown, cases of neuromyelitis optica have been associated with certain vaccines. Individuals who are diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica following a vaccination may be entitled to compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).

What are the Warning Signs of Neuromyelitis Optica?

Since neuromyelitis optica affects both the optic nerve and the spinal cord, individuals diagnosed with the disorder may exhibit a wide range of symptoms. Some individuals may experience a single attack lasting approximately 30 to 60 days, while others may experience recurring attacks over several years, if not the rest of their lives. Symptoms experienced during an attack may include:

• Bladder and bowel dysfunction
• Inflammation
• Loss of sensation
• Pain
• Vision loss
• Weakness in the arms and legs

In addition to experiencing recurring attacks, some individuals diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica may experience chronic or permanent effects. These symptoms may include permanent loss of sensation in the extremities, permanent loss of bowel and bladder control, and paralysis.

Although doctors once believed neuromyelitis optica to be a variant of multiple sclerosis (MS), this illness is now understood to be a distinct disorder. There is currently no known cure for neuromyelitis optica. Instead, treatment focuses on controlling patients’ symptoms and seeking to prevent future attacks. Treatment options currently include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, monoclonal antibodies and plasmapheresis.

Understanding the Link Between Neuromyelitis Optica and Vaccines

Some studies have shown a link between vaccination and neuromyelitis optica. Specifically, these studies have linked neuromyelitis optica to two vaccines recommended for routine administration in the United States:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Influenza (flu shot)

It is believed that getting an HPV vaccine or flu shot presents a risk for both triggering the onset of neuromyelitis optica and triggering a relapse for individuals who have already experienced the disorder. However, overall instances of neuromyelitis optica after a vaccine are extremely rare. Neuromyelitis optica affects approximately one out of every 200,000 people, and only a small percentage of these cases are vaccine-related.

How You Can Recover Compensation

Individuals diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica following an HPV vaccine or flu shot may be able to recover compensation for their losses under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Filing such a claim may include compensation for medical bills, out-of-pocket costs, loss of income, and an award for pain and suffering. The VICP pays compensation for vaccine injuries on a no-fault basis, and claimants are permitted to hire a lawyer at no financial cost to them.

Find Out if You Have a Lawsuit for Neuromyelitis Optica from a Vaccine

If you would like to know more about filing a vaccine claim for neuromyelitis optica from an HPV vaccine or flu shot, contact our office to arrange a free initial consultation with one of our vaccine injury lawyers. The Law Offices of Durant & Associates is here to help you and your family. To discuss your legal rights in confidence, call 202-800-1711 or request an appointment online today.