When a Vaccine Causes ADEM: What You Need to Know

In rare cases, vaccines trigger an autoimmune response in the body. As a result, the body’s immune system begins attacking itself. When this happens, one condition the vaccinated person may develop is Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM).

Experiencing ADEM firsthand can be a terrifying experience. According to the Cleveland Clinic, people fighting ADEM attacks may lose control of their bodies. They may have trouble think clearly, walking, seeing, or swallowing.

If you or someone you know was diagnosed with ADEM after receiving a vaccination like the flu shot, you may be eligible for compensation from the federal government. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) was created to help victims of vaccine injuries recover compensation without having to file a lawsuit against medical care providers or pharmaceutical companies.

At Shannon Law Group, we offer free, no-obligation consultations to people suffering from adverse vaccine reactions like ADEM. Call us today at (312) 578-9501 to schedule your appointment, or fill out the form on this page to get started.

Want to learn more about ADEM vaccine injuries? Keep reading this article.

What is ADEM (Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis)? And How Do Vaccines Trigger It?

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare neurological disorder that is often caused by viral or bacterial infections. Vaccines are also known to trigger this immune reaction.

Instead of fighting off the dead cells from the vaccination, the immune system instead attacks the central nervous system. This ADEM attack causes inflammation around the brain and spinal cord. This immune response also results in demyelination.

Demyelination involves a process in which the myelin sheath, (the protective covering that envelopes nerve fibers in your spinal cord, brain, and optic nerves) is damaged. When the myelin sheath becomes damaged, several neurological symptoms may occur in a patient.

ADEM is typically diagnosed after the patient undergoes a spinal tap to gather cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In about two-thirds of patients, the CSF is abnormal. The patient may have an MRI of their brain and spinal cord. The presence of specific lesions helps doctors differentiate ADEM from multiple sclerosis (MS).

What are the most common symptoms of ADEM?

Sometimes, doctors may first diagnose ADEM as a severe attack of multiple sclerosis (MS). Both conditions share similar symptoms, including demyelination. However, ADEM typically shows symptoms of encephalitis, as well as signs of myelin damage.

The most common symptoms of ADEM to watch out for after any vaccination include:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Headache
• Altered mental status
• Unsteadiness or falling

Severe symptoms of this autoimmune disorder are:

• Coma
• Vision loss
• Paralysis
• Seizures

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms following vaccination, please seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

Which Vaccines Are Associated with ADEM?

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine have been previously associated with ADEM, as well as the flu shot and tetanus vaccine. ADEM symptoms can appear days or weeks after vaccination.

If you received any vaccine and were diagnosed with ADEM shortly thereafter, the vaccination may have triggered it.

Can the flu shot cause ADEM?

Yes. In rare cases, the flu shot can trigger an immune response like ADEM. A similar condition called Guillain-Barre Syndrome can also be caused by seasonal influenza vaccines.

What are the treatment options for ADEM?

People suffering from ADEM may undergo a wide variety of treatments when admitted to the hospital, in addition to supportive care. Patients typically receive intravenous steroid medications, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment. Their doctors may also prescribe physical and rehabilitation therapy, along with oral steroids.

Most people diagnosed with ADEM make a full recovery within a few months. Many studies show that 50-75% of patients make a full recovery within 1-6 months. However, a percentage experience lingering symptoms—from trouble with coordination to partial paralysis on one side of the body.

If your ADEM symptoms have lasted more than six months after vaccination, you may be entitled to compensation from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. Contact Shannon Law Group, P.C. today to discuss your options with a vaccine injury lawyer.

How Do You Get Compensation for Post-Vaccination ADEM?

In 1986, the U.S. government created a unique program called the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). This no-fault program is run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It allows vaccine injury victims to petition for compensation without having to sue their doctor or pharmaceutical companies.  The program also pays the attorney’s fees on behalf of the vaccine-injured person.

If you suffered from ADEM after vaccination, you must meet specific requirements in order to be eligible for compensation from the VICP. First, you must have received a vaccine that’s covered under the program. Covered vaccines include any inoculation that’s recommended for children and pregnant women. Common vaccines not covered by the VICP include shingles, yellow fever, and the Pneumovax 23 vaccinations.

Second, you must have received the covered vaccine in the United States.

Third, you must file your petition with the VICP within three (3) years of the onset of ADEM symptoms. These deadlines apply even if you didn’t know a vaccine triggered your condition.

If you’re unsure whether you have an ADEM vaccine injury case, feel free to contact us any time at (312) 578-9501. Our vaccine injury attorneys are more than happy to discuss your options.

When should I contact a vaccine injury attorney?

If you suspect a vaccine triggered your ADEM diagnosis, you should contact a vaccine injury lawyer as soon as possible. Why?

You have a limited amount of time to file a claim in the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. In fact, you only have three (3) years from the onset of your symptoms – even if you didn’t know that a vaccine caused your sudden illness.

Plus, hiring an attorney costs you nothing. The court pays for attorney’s fees. You’ll never receive a bill or invoice from them.

So don’t delay – contact Shannon Law Group, P.C., today to schedule your free ADEM vaccine injury consultation. We’re available 24/7 to take your call at (312) 578-9501. You can also complete the form on this page to get started.