Several different types of vaccines present risks for seizures. In most cases, these seizures are mild and not associated with any significant or long-term health risks. However, seizures can be symptomatic of potentially serious vaccine injuries and illnesses in some circumstances. In this article, vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant discusses the seizure risks associated with common vaccines and explains when vaccine recipients who experience seizures may be entitled to compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
Febrile Seizures vs. Seizures Associated with Vaccine Injuries and Illnesses
Seizures associated with vaccines in the U.S. can broadly be divided into two categories: (i) febrile seizures, and (ii) seizures associated with vaccine injuries and illnesses.
Febrile seizures occur as a response to fever, and they are most common in infants and young children. As the Institute for Vaccine Safety at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health explains, febrile seizures typically do not present significant health risks:
“Febrile seizures are a common and typically benign childhood condition . . . . Considering the benign nature of simple febrile seizures, the rarity of vaccine-induced febrile seizures and the relative frequency of fever related to natural infection particularly among young children, the benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the minimal risk of vaccine complications.”
Non-febrile seizures, on the other hand, can be symptomatic of potentially serious health conditions triggered by vaccines. This includes common vaccines such as the annual flu shot; tetanus vaccines; measles, mumps and rubella vaccines; and the hepatitis B vaccine. Vaccine injuries and illnesses that can cause seizures include:
- Anaphylaxis – A severe allergic reaction to a vaccine ingredient.
- Encephalopathy – A disorder that impairs brain function and that can potentially have lifelong effects.
- Guillain–Barre Syndrome (GBS) – A rare autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack healthy nerve cells in the body.
Seizures and the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)
When a vaccination causes seizures that are symptomatic of anaphylaxis, encephalopathy or GBS, this will often entitle the vaccine recipient to compensation under the VICP. These conditions are covered under the program when they last for more than six months from the date of vaccination, require inpatient hospitalization and surgical intervention, or result in death.
The VICP pays financial compensation for vaccine recipients’ medical bills, loss of income, pain and suffering, and other qualifying out-of-pocket expenses. It also pays claimants’ legal fees separately from their awards of financial compensation. As a result, hiring a vaccine attorney to file a claim is a good option for anyone who has been diagnosed with anaphylaxis, encephalopathy, GBS or any other type of serious vaccine-related medical condition.
Schedule a Time to Talk with Vaccine Attorney Leah V. Durant
If you have questions about filing a VICP claim for a vaccine-related medical condition that has caused seizures, we encourage you to get in touch. To discuss your legal rights with vaccine attorney Leah V. Durant in confidence, call us at 202-800-1711 or tell us how we can reach you online today.
Leah Durant Bio
Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.
Categories: National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, vaccine injury
Leah Durant 
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