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Transverse Myelitis Vaccine Reaction
Transverse Myelitis can be caused by influenza vaccination, tetanus shot, and other vaccines. It is a neurological disorder caused by inflammation of the spinal cord. Inflammatory attacks can damage or destroy myelin, the protective covering that surrounds nerve fibers, which is different than a SIRVA injury. If the myelin is destroyed, the nerves are exposed to damage leading to subsequent symptoms of Transverse Myelitis.
Transverse Myelitis Symptoms and Causes
Debilitating symptoms include a loss of spinal cord function over several hours to several weeks. TM often begins as a sudden onset of lower back pain, muscle weakness, or abnormal sensations in the toes and feet, similar to Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
TM can rapidly progress to more severe symptoms, including paralysis due to impacted nerve cell fibers, urinary retention, and loss of bowel control. Although some patients recover with little to no residual problems, others suffer permanent impairments that affect their ability to perform ordinary tasks of daily living. There are four (4) ‘classic’ symptoms of TM, which can show up in as little as a few hours or days or gradually over a few weeks:
- Weakness in the upper and lower extremities;
- Sensory problems such as numbness or tingling (pins and needles);
- General pain and discomfort (flu and lower back pain);
- Bladder dysfunction and/or bowel motility issues.
The bodily distribution of these symptoms can be either symmetric or asymmetric, affecting one (1) or both legs and arms. 60% of TM cases have unknown causes despite inflammatory evidence. However, the remaining 40% of cases are caused by autoimmune disorders, infections, and vaccines.
Can vaccines cause back pain?
Can the flu shot cause lower back pain? While there has been no direct link between vaccines and back pain, it is possible that they could be related. For example, some people have developed Transverse Myelitis after getting a vaccine. Transverse Myelitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the spinal cord and can cause pain, weakness, among other symptoms.
Autoimmune Disorders
Infections
- Bacterial (Lyme disease, tuberculosis, syphilis, etc.)
- Fungal (aspergillus, blastomyces, coccidioides, and cryptococcus)
- Parasites (toxoplasmosis, cysticercosis, schistosomiasis, etc.)
- Viral (Varicella zoster – causes chickenpox and shingles, enterovirus, and West Nile virus)
Recently, My Vaccine Lawyer's founding partner Paul Brazil was interviewed by Jodie Fleischer of NBC4 Washington about vaccine injuries such as Transverse Myelitis, along with the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program which is a federal compensation program for vaccine injuries in the United States. Paul and Jodie also discuss the frequency of these injuries and the lack of public knowledge about the VICP.
Lower Back Pain from Flu Shot?
If you've experienced lower back pain after from a flu shot, it's important to understand the potential causes and treatment options. In rare cases, lower back pain may be a symptom of transverse myelitis, a neurological condition that can occur after receiving a flu vaccine. While transverse myelitis is a rare complication of flu vaccination, most people who receive the vaccine experience only mild side effects, such as soreness or redness at the injection site. Discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider if you are concerned about experiencing lower back pain or other side effects after getting a flu shot.
How is Transverse Myelitis diagnosed?
There are ways to relieve flu shot side effects, but if you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms of TM following a flu shot or other vaccine, especially if they grow in severity quickly, see your doctor immediately. Your doctor will run certain tests such as a Magnetic Resonance Imaging ("MRI") or Computerized Tomography ("CT") scan, lumbar puncture / spinal tap (a higher amount of white blood cells in the fluid could be a sign of infection), or Blood work to check your symptoms.
What is the treatment for Transverse Myelitis?
There is no known effective cure for TM, so doctors generally try to manage the disease and ease the patient's symptoms with antiviral medications, Intravenous Immunoglobulin (“IVIG”) therapy, medications for various symptoms, over-the-counter or prescription pain medications, plasma exchange therapy, steroids, rehabilitative therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and many different non-medical treatments. Our lawyers have seen partial and full recovery in our Transverse Myelitis clients.
Transverse Myelitis & Multiple Sclerosis
In the United States, Transverse Myelitis may be the first indication of multiple sclerosis in younger people. MS destroys the myelin in the brain and spinal cord nerves, causing weakness and stiffness, tingling in the body, numbness, blurred vision, and difficulty with thinking. In rare cases, an adverse reaction can include one or more of the following: sexual dysfunction, anxiety, or depression.
