Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a serious medical condition that can have life-altering effects for many patients. Tragically, it can also be fatal in some cases. While the precise cause of Guillain-Barre Syndrome remains unknown, it has been linked to the flu shot and tetanus vaccines, and many vaccine recipients diagnosed with GBS have succeeded in obtaining compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) with the help of an experienced vaccine lawyer.
While the rate of Guillain-Barre Syndrome diagnosis among flu shot and tetanus vaccine recipients is extremely low, enough cases have been linked to these vaccines that vaccination against influenza or tetanus is recognized as a possible causal factor for GBS. As a result, it is important for vaccine recipients and their families to be aware of the warning signs of GBS—and to seek medical advice promptly if necessary.
The Signs of GBS According to the CDC and Other Sources
As Johns Hopkins Medicine explains, Guillain-Barre Syndrome is, “a neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system.” As the CDC goes on to explain, “[t]he onset of GBS can be quite sudden and unexpected,” and “immediate hospitalization” may be necessary.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other sources, symptoms of GBS can develop over the course of a few days or over the course of a few weeks. While patients’ symptoms can vary depending on their specific circumstances and their specific diagnosis (there are several variants of GBS), common early symptoms include:
- Bladder or bowel issues
- Double vision or inability to move the eyes
- Increased heart rate
- Sharp or cramp-like pain
- Shortness of breath
- Tingling (or a “pins and needles” sensation)
- Weakness
The CDC notes that patients typically first experience weakness and tingling in the legs, with these symptoms then progressing into the upper body. The other symptoms listed above may gradually spread throughout the body as well.
As Guillain-Barre Syndrome worsens, patients may begin to experience a variety of other symptoms as well. While these symptoms will begin to subside after a period of weeks or months for some patients, there are chronic variants of GBS that can have life-long consequences. Common additional symptoms of GBS include:
- Chronic pain
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing
- Difficulty walking
- Digestion problems
- Loss of coordination
- Loss of muscle control
- Low or high blood pressure
As Yale Medicine notes, while “[m]ild cases can make it hard to perform routine activities . . . [i]n severe cases, GBS can cause paralysis similar to what is experienced with polio and make it difficult to eat and even breathe.” This is when Guillain-Barre Syndrome can become life-threatening. However, “[t]he majority of people with GBS are eventually able to resume an independent and active life without any serious disability, and effective treatments are available.”
Given the availability of effective treatments (in most cases), seeking treatment promptly should be a priority for anyone who has concerns about Guillain-Barre Syndrome following a flu shot or tetanus vaccine. For those who receive a GBS diagnosis, it will also be important to consult with an experienced vaccine lawyer about filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
Seeking Compensation for Medical Bills and Other Consequences of GBS Linked to a Vaccine
In all cases, the costs of treatment for Guillain-Barre Syndrome can be substantial. From lost wages to the effects of living with pain and other physical effects on a daily basis, a GBS diagnosis can have various other financial and non-financial costs as well. For those who are eligible to file, all of these costs are covered under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
The VICP is a federal program that has paid nearly $5 billion to vaccine recipients and their families since 1988. It covers Guillain-Barre Syndrome linked to the flu shot and tetanus vaccine—among a wide range of other vaccine-related illnesses and injuries. Vaccine recipients and family members who have claims related to GBS can seek compensation for their (or their loved one’s) past, present and future:
- Medical expenses and other out-of-pocket costs
- Loss of income
- Pain and suffering
If you have a claim for GBS under the VICP, you can hire a lawyer to handle your claim at no cost. Once you hire a lawyer to represent you, your lawyer will be able to determine your eligibility, calculate the compensation you are entitled to recover and then file your claim on your behalf. Your lawyer will also be able to navigate the VICP claims process on your behalf. While this might mean taking your claim to the Vaccine Court, most successful VICP claims settle long before this stage of the process.
If you think you may be eligible to file a VICP claim related to your (or your loved one’s) GBS diagnosis—or if you don’t know and want to find out—you should:
- Collect Your (or Your Loved One’s) Vaccination and Medical Records – Try to locate your (or your loved one’s) vaccination record and gather any medical records related to your (or your loved one’s) GBS diagnosis.
- Take Notes and Prepare a List of Questions – Take notes about when you first had concerns about GBS and the timeline starting with your (or your loved one’s) vaccination, and prepare a list of questions you want to ask your vaccine lawyer.
- Schedule a Free Consultation – Schedule a free consultation with a vaccine lawyer who has specific experience filing GBS claims under the VICP.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Vaccine Lawyer at Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates
Do you have questions about filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) related to Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)? If so, we invite you to get in touch. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced vaccine lawyer at Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates, please call 202-775-9200 or send us your contact information online today.