Individuals who have been diagnosed with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) following a flu or tetanus vaccination may be entitled to financial compensation under the federal government’s National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Find out more about the link between these vaccinations and AIDP, and learn some important steps you can take to help protect your legal rights.
Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) is an autoimmune disorder that results in the body’s immune system attacking the body’s healthy cells, often leading to a range of symptoms and in some cases leading to respiratory failure. AIDP is a variant of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), and like this and other autoimmune disorders, scientists have yet to determine its exact physiological cause.
However, in recent years doctors have identified a link between AIDP and certain vaccinations – the flu and tetanus vaccines in particular. In fact, a growing body of medical research and case law acknowledges a possible causal relationship between vaccinations and all forms of GBS, including AIDP. As a result, individuals who have been diagnosed with AIDP following a flu or tetanus vaccination will often be entitled to financial compensation. Anyone with a diagnosis of AIDP should speak with a vaccine lawyer as soon as possible.
Symptoms
The possible symptoms of AIDP are consistent among individuals in all age groups, though specific symptoms may vary from one individual to the next. Possible symptoms of AIDP include:
- Loss of muscle control
- Loss of deep tendon reflexes
- Pain
- Tingling sensations
- Weakness
For most individuals, symptoms can worsen for up to four weeks before plateauing, and then gradually beginning to improve. However, studies suggest that as many as one in five individuals diagnosed with AIDP may experience respiratory failure due to the effects of the disorder.
Diagnosis and Treatment
AIDP is most often diagnosed using two tests: electromyograms (EMG) and nerve conduction studies. The EMG test is used to detect lack of muscle activation, while nerve conduction studies focus on identifying the delayed nerve reactivity resulting from the body’s autoimmune response. Because the symptoms of AIDP can indicate various other medical conditions, both of these tests should be conducted so that appropriate treatment can begin as early as possible.
Treatment for AIDP focuses on combating the body’s autoimmune response, typically through plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) or immunoglobulin therapy. Data from the American Association of Neuromuscular & Electrodiagnostic Medicine indicates that approximately 50 percent of individuals diagnosed with AIDP will return to normal health within one year. However, as many as 33 percent of those diagnosed may experience weakness for three years or longer.
Diagnosed with AIDP Following a Tetanus or Flu Shot? Contact GBS Vaccine Lawyer for a Free Consultation
At GBS Vaccine Lawyer, we represent individuals nationwide who have been diagnosed with AIDP following a flu or tetanus vaccination. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with AIDP, we encourage you to get in touch. To find out if you may be entitled to financial compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) and learn how we can provide representation for your VICP claim at little or no financial cost to you, call us at (202) 775-9200 or request a free consultation online today.