Brachial Neuritis After Vaccination: What You Need to Know

Vaccines play a vital role in protecting children from serious diseases. However, like any medical treatment, they carry potential risks. In rare cases, a child may develop brachial neuritis, a painful and debilitating nerve condition, shortly after vaccination.

What Is Brachial Neuritis?

Also known as brachial plexopathy, brachial neuropathy, or Parsonage-Turner Syndrome, brachial neuritis affects the nerves that run from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm, and hand. It’s a rare condition, affecting approximately 1.5 people per 100,000 in the U.S.

This neurological disorder may be triggered by viral infections, trauma, or vaccinations—particularly those involving the tetanus component.

Common Symptoms of Brachial Neuritis

• Sudden, severe shoulder or upper arm pain

• Burning or shooting sensations

• Muscle weakness or numbness in the arm or hand

• Difficulty lifting objects or moving the affected arm

• Possible long-term effects like frozen shoulder or muscle atrophy

The intense pain typically lasts for days or weeks before subsiding, followed by lingering weakness or loss of mobility that can persist for months or, in rare cases, become permanent.

Can You Get Compensation for Brachial Neuritis After a Vaccine?

Yes. If you develop brachial neuritis after vaccination, you may qualify for compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). This federal program offers financial support for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering—without requiring a lawsuit against your doctor or the vaccine manufacturer.

To be eligible, your case will be evaluated based on:

1. Symptoms

Patients typically experience intense shoulder pain, worsened by movement. The pain may require prescription medication, and muscle weakness can make everyday tasks difficult.

2. Diagnosis

Brachial neuritis is often misdiagnosed. It may be mistaken for a fracture or strain. Diagnosis usually requires a physical exam and electromyogram (EMG) to detect nerve damage.

3. Treatment

Effective treatments include pain relievers, corticosteroids, and physical therapy. Continued arm use is essential to prevent complications like frozen shoulder.

4. Prognosis

With prompt treatment, many patients recover within a year. However, some may experience lasting pain or limited mobility.

5. Eligible Vaccines

The tetanus vaccine is explicitly listed by the VICP as a potential trigger for brachial neuritis. This includes vaccines such as:

• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)

• DTaP

• Tetanus-only vaccines

Other vaccines like hepatitis B and influenza have also been linked to this condition in rare cases.

We Help People Nationwide with Vaccine Injury Claims

At Shannon Law Group, P.C., we help people across the United States navigate the VICP and recover the compensation they deserve after a vaccine-related injury.

If your child has suffered serious or permanent side effects from a vaccine, you may be entitled to financial relief. Our vaccine injury attorneys can help you gather evidence, file a petition, and represent your case.

Contact us today by filling out our online form or calling (312) 578-9501 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help your family get the justice and support you deserve.