Can a Tetanus Shot Cause Brachial Neuritis?

The tetanus shot, or the TDaP vaccine, is administered to prevent tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. These diseases can cause breathing problems and, in severe cases, lead to death. People often start receiving this immunization at the age of 7 and are encouraged to get a booster shot every 10 years. Like any vaccine, the TDaP shot can have some rare but serious side effects such as brachial neuritis. Brachial neuritis is a rare neurological disorder that causes a sudden onset of shoulder pain, as well as muscle weakness.

If you were diagnosed with brachial neuritis following a tetanus vaccination, our vaccine injury attorneys at Shannon Law Group are here for you. Our firm has experience representing those who have been injured from an improperly administered vaccine and filing a claim on their behalf in the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). In this national program, you can be compensated for certain damages caused by a vaccine injury. 

We offer free 30-minute consultations. Call us at (312) 578-9501 to schedule yours today. 

Otherwise, keep reading to learn more about brachial neuritis.

What is Brachial Neuritis (AKA Parsonage-Turner Syndrome)?

Brachial neuritis, also known as Parsonage-Turner syndrome, is a rare disorder in which the nerve bundles that send signals from the spine to the arm become swollen and inflamed. This condition usually starts with sudden and severe pain or burning sensation in the shoulder and upper arm. Weeks later, this pain is replaced with muscle weakness or atrophy in the upper arm.

Brachial neuritis is a form of neuropathy or nerve damage.  According to the Cleveland Clinic, it’s believed that immunological or inflammatory processes contribute to the occurrence of the disease. While the exact cause of brachial neuritis is unknown, statistically 15 percent of Parsonage-Turner syndrome cases are due to vaccination. The U.S Department of Health and Human Services has recognized that any vaccines containing tetanus toxoid may trigger this disorder. These types of vaccinations also include the DTaP and TDaP vaccines. 

Other vaccines, however, can cause brachial neuritis, such as the influenza vaccine and the hepatitis B vaccine.

What are the signs and symptoms of vaccine-related brachial neuritis? 

While symptoms can vary, here is a list of common signs of brachial neuritis due to a vaccine to watch out for: 

• Shoulder pain within 48 hours after receiving a tetanus shot.
• Severe pain in the upper arm or shoulder.
• Burning sensation in the affected arm or shoulder.
• Pain affecting just one side of your body.
• After a few hours or days, the pain changes to weakness, limpness, or paralysis in the muscles of the affected arm or shoulder.
• Lack of muscle control in the shoulder or arm.
• Lack of sensation or feeling in the shoulder or arm.

This condition can cause permanent or long-term paralysis, so it’s important to seek medical treatment right away. You should consult with your doctor regarding your specific situation. 

What options are available for brachial neuritis treatment? 

Treatment for brachial neuritis involves a multitude of options. The path to recovery from Parsonage-Turner Syndrome is often long, taking months to years. Depending on the severity of your injury, your doctor may recommend any of the following to help manage the condition: 

• Pain Medications. Prescription grade pain medications may be prescribed in the case of severe pain for a short period of time. The use of pain medications is often reduced as the patient’s pain subsides. 
• Prednisone. One specific medication that is popular in treatment is prednisone. It’s a type of corticosteroid, and it’s used to reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder.
• Physical Therapy. A doctor may recommend physical therapy to help maintain the range of motion in the arm and shoulder.
• Surgery. In rare, severe cases surgery may be suggested to repair the nerves and tendons in the shoulder joint.

Is there compensation available for brachial neuritis from a TDaP vaccine?

Yes, there is compensation available for people who have suffered from a brachial neuritis diagnosis following a TDaP vaccine. This compensation is offered through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Filing a claim through the VICP comes at no cost to you. The VICP pays for the attorney fees and any other costs associated with it.

If you’d like to learn more about the VICP and how to get compensation, our vaccine injury attorney Jonathan Svitak wrote a book about it. Get your free copy here. 

Diagnosed with Brachial Neuritis After a Tetanus Shot? We Can Help

At Shannon Law Group, P.C., our team of experienced vaccine injury attorneys has helped many like you who are suffering from brachial neuritis due to the TDaP vaccine. We offer free consultations anytime throughout the week. Give us a call at (312) 578-9501 today, or fill out the contact us form below. We’re here to help you through this difficult time.