What Vaccine Recipients Should Know About Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder that has been linked to the influenza and tetanus vaccines recommended for routine administration in the United States. While only a very small percentage of flu shot and tetanus shot recipients develop GBS, for those who get diagnosed, the consequences can be life-altering.

Even though the chances of developing Guillain-Barre from a flu shot or tetanus shot are extremely low, due to the potential consequences of GBS, all flu shot and tetanus shot recipients should be aware of the risks involved. In many cases, prompt diagnosis and medical intervention can mitigate these risks. Flu shot and tetanus shot recipients who develop symptoms of GBS should be aware of their legal rights under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) as well.

10 Important Facts About Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) for Vaccine Recipients

Here are 10 important facts about Guillain-Barre Syndrome for vaccine recipients:

1. The First Symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome Appear in the Arms and Legs

The first symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome typically appear in the arms and legs. Pain radiating toward the center of the body from the hands and feet is a hallmark symptom of GBS, and many patients will experience tingling and weakness that start in the legs and spread into the upper body as well.

2. The Symptoms of GBS Can Progress Throughout the Body

As a vaccine recipient’s GBS worsens, the symptoms of the disorder can progress throughout the body. Along with pain, tingling, and weakness, other symptoms of GBS can include loss of eye and facial control, loss of bowel and bladder control, loss of reflexes, difficulty breathing, and sudden changes in heart rate and blood pressure.

3. Prompt Diagnosis and Treatment Can Be Critical

While there is currently no known cure for GBS, prompt diagnosis and treatment can be important for mitigating the disorder’s long-term effects. There are various treatment options, and, with treatment, many patients will be symptom-free within a year. However, even with treatment, some patients will experience symptoms for several years—if not the rest of their life—and relapse always remains a possibility.

4. There Are Several Variants of Guillain-Barre Syndrome

There are several variants of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, each with its own unique symptomatology and long-term risks. One of the most severe variants is chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), which has also been linked to the influenza and tetanus vaccines.

5. Guillain-Barre Syndrome Can Be Costly

Due to challenges with diagnosis and the potential for long-term effects, Guillain-Barre Syndrome can be incredibly costly. Along with incurring substantial medical bills and costs for prescriptions and medical supplies, many individuals who are diagnosed with GBS will miss time from work as well. Guillain-Barre from a flu shot or tetanus shot can be debilitating, and rest can be an essential part of the recovery process.

6. Guillain-Barre Syndrome Can Also Have Non-Financial Effects

Along with these financial costs, Guillain-Barre Syndrome can also have non-financial effects. Living with severe pain, limited mobility, bowel and bladder issues, and the various other consequences of GBS can significantly impact patients’ quality of life.

7. The VICP Covers the Financial and Non-Financial Costs of Guillain-Barre from the Flu Shot and Tetanus Shot

For individuals diagnosed with Guillain-Barre from a flu shot or tetanus shot, recovering their losses will often involve filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP is a federal government program that covers the financial and non-financial costs of many types of vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. This includes GBS related to influenza and tetanus vaccinations.

8. Most Successful VICP Claims for Guillain-Barre Syndrome Settle

If you have a VICP claim, you can seek just compensation for all of the long-term costs of your GBS diagnosis. This includes not only your long-term financial costs but your long-term non-financial costs (i.e., pain and suffering) as well. While some VICP claimants will need to take their claims to the Vaccine Court, many successful claims settle before going to a hearing. We have helped many vaccine recipients obtain VICP settlements for GBS.

9. You Can Hire a Lawyer to Handle Your VICP Claim At No Cost

If you have a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, you can hire a lawyer to represent you at no cost. Your initial consultation is free, and if you choose to move forward with filing a claim, you will not pay anything out of pocket. The VICP pays claimants’ legal fees separately from their compensation awards, so if your claim is successful, your legal fees will not be deducted from your settlement or award.

10. When Dealing with a GBS Diagnosis, It is Important to Think About the Future

For those who have been diagnosed with GBS following a flu shot or tetanus shot, it is important to think about the future. While filing a claim for compensation can seem like a daunting process, it is important to do everything you can to make sure you have the financial resources you need to manage your costs going forward. If you have a VICP claim, hiring a lawyer to file your claim will be well worth it. Your lawyer can prepare all of the necessary legal paperwork for you, calculate just compensation for your long-term financial and non-financial costs, and help you make an informed decision about when (and if) to settle your claim.

Do You Have a VICP Claim for Guillain-Barre from a Flu Shot or Tetanus Shot?

If you, your child, or your spouse or partner has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome after receiving a flu shot or tetanus shot, we encourage you to contact us for more information. We represent individuals and families in National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program claims nationwide. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with national vaccine lawyer Leah V. Durant, 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.