Is Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) from the Flu Shot Permanent?

There are many benefits to getting the annual flu shot, including increased immunity to different influenza virus variants. In most cases, you’ll experience no serious or long-lasting side effects.  However, there are a handful of severe reactions from the seasonal flu vaccine you should know. One of these possible side effects is GBS, also known as Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder. 

Suppose you or someone you know received a Guillain-Barre Syndrome diagnosis after getting a flu shot. In that case, our vaccine injury attorneys can help you get compensation from the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. To schedule a free consultation, please give us a call at (312) 578-9501. Otherwise, keep reading to learn more about GBS, its symptoms, and treatment options for this condition.

What is GBS? 

GBS stands for Guillain-Barre Syndrome. According to the Centers for Disease Control, it’s a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system causes damage to the nerves. In turn, the damaged nerves cause muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. Typically. GBS occurs after an infection or virus.

But in very rare cases, people can develop GBS from the annual flu shot.

There are a few key symptoms to look out for when it comes to GBS after getting a flu vaccine. Symptoms will appear within 3 to 42 days after vaccination.

The first signs of GBS are tingling and numbness in the hands and feet. After this, your body will start to become weak. Tasks like walking or climbing the stairs may become increasingly difficult. Numbness and weakness may also be present in the back and legs. 

In addition to the symptoms listed above, here are other common vaccine-related GBS symptoms:

• Troubles with eye muscles and vision
• Coordination problems
• Severe pain, especially at night
• Abnormal heart rate or blood pressure
• Having troubles with speaking, chewing, and/or swallowing

The severity of these symptoms can vary, but they progressively get worse over time. As GBS gets worse, paralysis is possible, but it doesn’t always happen. It’s important to note that we also are not medical professionals, so if you are concerned about any symptoms you may be experiencing, it’s important to talk it over with your doctor. 

How is GBS Diagnosed (and What Treatments Are Available)?

GBS can be difficult to diagnose early on because it is similar to other disorders, such as multiple sclerosis. The doctors will likely take a look at your medical history and perform a physical exam.

Depending on how this goes, there are a few tests the doctors may order:

• Nerve Conduction Studies: Electrodes are attached to the body based on where your nerves are. A small shock will be administered through the electrodes to test the speed of the nerve signals.
• Spinal Tap: A small sample of fluid will be drawn from your lower back. The fluid will then be tested for a common factor that is seen in GBS patients.
• Electromyography: The doctor studies nerve activity in this test like the nerve conduction study. This test is done by placing thin needle electrodes in your muscles to test the nerve activity in them. 

After receiving a GBS diagnosis, your doctor will recommend treatment based on your individual case. While there’s no cure for GBS, there are two types of treatment that help you recover more quickly: plasma exchange and immunoglobulin therapy.

Plasma exchange helps remove various antibodies and possibly dangerous factors from your blood, whereas immunoglobulin therapy helps create antibodies against the disease. 

Is GBS Permanent?

According to the CDC, most people fully recover from Guillain-Barre Syndrome, but some have permanent nerve damage. Statistically, 70 percent of people make a full recovery from GBS. 

With that being said, each case is unique, and the best way to decide what the prognosis is for your specific case is to discuss it with your doctor. They are most familiar with GBS and treatments for it.

Compensation Available to GBS Patients

If you or a loved one has been struggling with a GBS diagnosis stemming from a flu vaccine, you may be entitled to compensation from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

If you meet specific criteria, you may be eligible for compensation for any out-of-pocket medical bills, past and future lost wages, pain and suffering, and the cost of future medical treatment. 

In order to be eligible for this program, there are a few criteria points that must be met. These criteria include receiving a vaccine that is covered by the program (the flu vaccine is one of them) and filing within the statute of limitations, which is 3 years from the date of the vaccine.

When you hire Shannon Law Group to assist you with your GBS vaccine injury claim, our services will be completely free to you. We will cover all costs associated with your claim, and our attorney’s fees will not be recovered from your total award.

Our vaccine injury lawyers are licensed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, so they’re ready to assist you no matter where you live in the United States.

If you’re interested in learning more about the VICP, or are ready to take the next step in recovering financially and emotionally from your vaccine injury, our attorneys at Shannon Law Group are here to help you. Give us a call to get started on filing your GBS claim today: (312) 578-9501. You can also fill out the form on the page, and someone will be in touch with you within 1 business day.