Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder that currently has no known cure. Medical researchers are also still unclear on Guillain-Barre Syndrome’s precise cause, although GBS has been linked to certain vaccinations (among other risk factors). These vaccines are the annual flu shot and the DTaP, Tdap and Td vaccines used to prevent diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus.
GBS and the Annual Flu Shot
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is currently recognized as an “on table” injury for the annual flu shot under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP is a federal program that pays compensation to eligible individuals and families who are coping with the effects of vaccine-related illnesses and injuries. The “on table” designation is significant because this means that a flu shot recipient’s GBS diagnosis is presumed to be vaccine-related if the recipient’s symptoms onset between three and 42 days after vaccination.
For individuals who are experiencing symptoms of GBS after receiving a flu shot, this makes it all the more important to seek an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible. Common early symptoms of GBS linked to the annual flu shot include:
- Pain originating in the hands or feet that spreads through the body
- Tingling and weakness originating in the legs that spread throughout the body
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Loss of reflexes, facial control, and bowel and bladder control
Currently, there are five brand-name flu shots approved for use in the United States. These are Afluria, Fluarix, FluLaval, Flucelvax and Fluzone.
GBS and the DTaP, Tdap and Td Vaccines
GBS has also been linked to diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus—DTaP, Tdap and Td. The brand names for these vaccines are Adacel and Boostrix.
Currently, GBS is not an “on table” injury for DTaP, Tdap and Td. However, individuals who have been diagnosed with GBS after receiving these vaccines can still file claims for compensation. Vaccine recipients seeking compensation for GBS caused by the diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccines need proof of causation, and while this adds an extra step to the process, we have been successful in helping individuals obtain VICP compensation after receiving these vaccines.
Flu Shot, DTaP, Tdap and Td Vaccines Can Cause All GBS Variants
In addition to causing Guillain-Barre Syndrome, the flu shot, DTaP, Tdap and Td vaccines can also cause all GBS variants. These variants are covered under the VICP to the same extent as the primary form of GBS. This means that eligible individuals who receive these vaccines can file VICP claims after being diagnosed with the following:
- Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (AIDP)
- Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy (AMAN)
- Acute Motor Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN)
- Acute Panautonomic Neuropathy
- Bickerstaff’s Brainstem Encephalitis (BBE)
- Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
- Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS)
- Pharyngeal-Cervical-Brachial Variant
Do You Have a VICP Claim for Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)?
If you need to know more about filing a VICP claim for Guillain-Barre Syndrome, we invite you to schedule a free initial consultation. To discuss your claim with vaccine lawyer Leah V. Durant in confidence, please call 202-800-1711 or request an appointment 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: Guillain-Barre Syndrome (Flu GBS)
Leah Durant 
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