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4 min read

Understanding Arm Numbness After Vaccines: Causes and Compensation

Experiencing arm numbness after receiving a vaccine is a common concern. While vaccines are important for preventing serious illnesses, they can sometimes cause side effects like pain, swelling, and numbness in the arm where the shot was given.

These side effects are usually temporary but can occasionally persist and become more serious. If arm numbness persists beyond a few days, it may require medical attention to determine the underlying cause. It's important to monitor the symptoms and seek advice from a healthcare professional if the numbness continues.

 

Can vaccines cause arm numbness?

While vaccines are important for preventing diseases, some people may experience temporary arm numbness as a side effect. Our body has nerves that send messages between the brain and the rest of the body, including the muscles and sensations like pain. Sometimes, vaccines can affect these nerves temporarily, leading to numbness in the vaccinated arm. It's usually not a big concern, but if you have prolonged or worrisome arm numbness after getting a vaccine, it's best to talk to a doctor. 

 

What vaccines are known to cause nerve damage?

Many vaccines are known to cause nerve damage including the following:

  • Common symptoms of post-injection nerve damage may include:
  • Pain in the affected area
  • Tingling or pins and needles sensation
  • Numbness in the injection site
  • Weakness or loss of strength
  • Reduced or altered sensation
  • Muscle weakness
  • Difficulty with coordination

Have an Injury?

 

What vaccine injuries cause nerve damage and arm numbness?

Many vaccines are known to cause nerve damage, including:

  • Diphtheria, Tetanus, or Pertussis (DTaP, DT, Td, Tdap, DTP-Hib)
  • Influenza (Flu)
  • Hepatitis B
  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Measles, Mumps, or Rubella (MMR, MMRV)
  • Meningococcal (MPSV4, MCV4)
  • Varicella/Chickenpox (VAR)

If you have received any of these vaccines recently and are experiencing numbness or more severe symptoms, it's important to make a record of the vaccination dates. This can help establish a causal link between the vaccine and any adverse effects you may be experiencing.

What vaccine injuries can come from arm numbness following a vaccine?

While rare, it's important to acknowledge that certain vaccines have been associated with instances of nerve damage. These vaccine injuries manifest in different ways, including:

Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM): ADEM is a sudden brain and spinal cord inflammation. It can lead to significant medical costs, lost wages due to time off work, and considerable pain and suffering.

Brachial Neuritis: This condition affects nerves that control muscles in the shoulders, arms, and hands, causing weakness and pain. Individuals may face high medical expenses, lost income from inability to work, and ongoing discomfort.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): This disorder causes the immune system to attack the peripheral nerves from the spinal cord to the arms, hands, legs, and feet, resulting in muscle weakness and paralysis. Treatment can be costly, and recovery often requires extended time off work, leading to lost wages and significant pain and suffering.

Optic Neuritis: Occurs when inflammation damages the protective myelin of the optic nerve, impairing the transmission of visual information from the retina to the brain. The medical treatment for vision issues can be expensive and may cause prolonged pain and potential job disruption.

Shoulder Pain (SIRVA): SIRVA is where a vaccine is mistakenly injected into the shoulder capsule instead of the deltoid muscle, leading to persistent pain. SIRVA can require extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, and can result in lost wages and ongoing pain.

Transverse Myelitis: Those afflicted can expect inflammation across the width of the spinal cord, resulting in weakness and numbness. The treatment and rehabilitation costs can be high, with potential loss of income due to inability to work and significant pain and suffering.

Get Help Today

 

How we can assist you with your nerve damage and pain injury claim

If you have experienced nerve damage and pain after receiving a vaccine, it's important to know that you have options for seeking compensation and legal support.

At My Vaccine Lawyer, we specialize in assisting individuals who have suffered vaccine-related injuries, including nerve damage and pain. Our experienced team is dedicated to guiding you through the complex process of filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) and obtaining the compensation you deserve.

For those who experience nerve damage after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, they cannot use the usual vaccine injury claims program, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), because it does not cover COVID-19 vaccines. Instead, they need to apply for help through the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program. You can find more information about this program on their website at https://www.hrsa.gov/cicp. 

 

Evaluating Your Case:

We understand the intricacies of the VICP and will carefully evaluate the details of your case. Our skilled attorneys will review your medical records, vaccination history, and any nerve damage and pain documentation. 

By assessing the merits of your claim, we can determine the eligibility for compensation under the VICP, considering factors such as the severity of your injury, the link between the vaccine and your condition, and any financial losses you may have incurred.

Handling the VICP Process:

Filing a claim under the VICP requires a thorough understanding of the program's procedures. Our attorneys will guide you through each step, ensuring that all necessary forms and documentation are completed accurately and submitted within the designated timelines. We will handle communication with the VICP and represent your best interests throughout the process.

Building a Strong Case:

To strengthen your nerve damage and pain injury claim, our team collaborates with medical experts specializing in vaccine-related injuries. These experts will carefully evaluate your condition, conducting tests, examinations, and consultations as necessary. 

Their professional opinions and expertise will provide valuable evidence supporting the connection between the vaccine and your nerve damage and pain, reinforcing the strength of your claim.

Pursuing Fair Compensation:

Our dedicated team will diligently pursue fair compensation on your behalf. We will compile a comprehensive claim, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from your nerve damage and pain. With extensive experience in VICP cases, we will advocate for your rights, aiming to secure the maximum compensation available under the program.

Work With Us At No Cost

 

Meet the Author

Paul Brazil - Founding Partner

Paul Brazil is a native of Dunmore, Pennsylvania and a graduate of Dunmore High School. For his undergraduate education, he attended Bloomsburg University where he majored in political science. He then went on to earn his JD from Widener University School of Law. Following graduation from law school, Mr. Brazil worked at a large Philadelphia civil defense firm where he litigated workers’ compensation claims and Heart and Lung Act cases. In 2012, he joined with his coworker Max Muller to form Muller Brazil. 

 

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