Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a life-altering medical condition that has been linked to several CDC-recommended vaccines. Stanford Medicine describes CRPS as “a severely disabling condition,” and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) writes, “[p]eople living with CRPS have pain that is much greater than normal, even without a visible injury.” As a result, for individuals whose CRPS is the result of a vaccination, it is critical to speak with a vaccine attorney about seeking compensation 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 complex regional pain syndrome in many cases. However, as there are some additional steps involved in filing a successful claim for CRPS, it is especially important that individuals and families seeking to recover the costs of this condition work with an experienced vaccine attorney.
Understanding the Cause of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
As Stanford Medicine explains, “[n]o one knows the exact cause of CRPS.” In fact, the precise nature of CRPS remains unknown, with Stanford Medicine also explaining that “[i]t may be a disorder of the immune system that affects the nervous system, producing inflammation of the nerves that control blood flow, sensation, and temperature.”
But, while certain aspects of complex regional pain syndrome may remain a mystery, it is broadly acknowledged that CRPS can result from vaccinations in some cases. Specifically, cases of CRPS have been linked to:
The NINDS explains that there are two forms of CRPS: CRPS-1 and CRPS-2. “CRPS-1 occurs after illness or injury but is not associated with any specific nerve damage, and CRPS-2 is associated with damage to a specific nerve.” Both of these are potential risks with vaccinations, particularly when vaccine administrators make mistakes (such as using a wrong-size needle or inserting the needle at the wrong angle) during vaccine administration.
Understanding the Effects of CRPS On a Vaccine
The effects of complex regional pain syndrome from a vaccine can be severe. Along with chronic and severe pain, other common symptoms of CRPS include changes in body temperature and skin color, stiffness, and swelling at the site of the vaccine injection. These symptoms can last anywhere from weeks to years. According to the NINDS:
“CRPS can be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting longer than three months). Early studies suggested that most CRPS patients recover and very few have pain after one year. More recent studies have found that while pain symptoms and disability improve with time, most people have some degree of pain after one year. Severe or long-lasting cases of CRPS are very disabling and can prevent a person from working or doing their usual activities.”
As the NINDS also explains, the pain caused by CRPS can change with certain movements or activities, and it can also last long after use or contact of the affected arm. The NINDS also notes that individuals diagnosed with CRPS may experience “mirror pain” on their opposite arm.
Since the cause of complex regional pain syndrome is unknown, there is also currently no known cure. However, doctors may recommend various forms of treatment to mitigate vaccine recipients’ pain and other symptoms, including:
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Behavioral modifications (such as avoiding activities or movements that cause severe pain)
- Psychotherapy (to manage anxiety or depression caused by living with CRPS)
- Graded motor imagery
- Neural stimulation
- Acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids and other medications
- Limited-use therapies (such as ketamine) in appropriate cases
This list is not exclusive, and individuals who have been diagnosed with CRPS should consult with their doctors to determine which form (or forms) of treatment are the most appropriate for their individual circumstances.
Filing a VICP Claim for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome from a Vaccine
Due to the severity of its effects, complex regional pain syndrome often leaves vaccine recipients facing significant financial and non-financial costs. Fortunately, vaccine recipients and their families can seek compensation for these costs under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program in many cases.
The VICP covers injuries and illnesses caused by the CDC-recommended vaccines listed on the Vaccine Injury Table. These vaccines include the annual flu shot, hepatitis B vaccine and HPV vaccine. While the Vaccine Injury Table lists certain specific injuries and illnesses that are covered, these are not the only covered medical conditions. Eligible individuals and families can file claims for “off table” conditions—including complex regional pain syndrome—as well.
With “on table” injuries, proof of causation is not required. If a vaccine recipient develops symptoms within a certain number of days or weeks after receiving an immunization, causation is presumed. But, with “off table” conditions such as CRPS, this is not the case. Again, this makes it especially important to work with an experienced vaccine attorney who can prepare and file your VICP claim on your behalf.
Hiring a vaccine attorney to file a VICP claim for complex regional pain syndrome costs nothing for vaccine recipients and their families. In addition to compensating eligible claimants for their current and future medical bills, out-of-pocket costs, loss of income and pain and suffering, the VICP also pays claimants’ legal fees separately. This means that you do not have to pay anything out-of-pocket for your legal representation, and if your vaccine attorney helps you obtain a VICP award, your legal fees will not be deducted from your award.
Discuss Your VICP Claim with Vaccine Attorney Leah V. Durant for Free
If you would like to know more about filing a VICP claim for complex regional pain syndrome, we invite you to get in touch. We handle CRPS claims under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program at no cost for individuals and families nationwide. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with vaccine attorney 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.
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