Neuromyelitis Optica Vaccine Injury Lawyer
Neuromyelitis optica, also known as Devic's disease, is rare. It primarily affects the spine and the optic nerves. This disease causes inflammation, leading to pain, blindness, and muscle weakness.
Injured by a vaccine?
Over 80% of vaccine injuries are from flu shots.
Our lawyers have represented over 4,000 clients across the United States.
What Is a Neuromyelitis Optica Injury?
Our lawyers know the ropes of vaccine injury law. We're committed to helping our clients get back on their feet after dealing with the sudden symptoms of PMR, like pain and stiffness.
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an autoimmune disorder. It predominantly targets the central nervous system, specifically the optic nerves and spinal cord. In NMO, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in these areas. This results in inflammation that can cause a range of severe symptoms. These include vision loss, muscle weakness, and problems with bowel and bladder control.
Unlike multiple sclerosis, another condition affecting the central nervous system, NMO usually involves more concentrated attacks on the optic nerves and spinal cord. The disease can be sporadic, with periods of remission, but each attack can lead to accumulating damage and disability.
Injuries from NMO vary in severity. Some individuals may experience temporary symptoms, while others might suffer long-term complications. In the context of vaccine-related injuries, NMO might be triggered or worsened post-vaccination, especially in cases involving flu vaccines or HPV vaccines.
What Are the Symptoms of
Neuromyelitis Optica?
Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) presents a range of symptoms, primarily affecting the optic nerves and spinal cord. Understanding these symptoms is important, especially if you're considering a vaccine injury claim. Here's a simplified list of common symptoms:
- Vision Loss or Blurred Vision
- Muscle Weakness
- Pain
- Numbness or Tingling
- Bowel and Bladder Control Issues
- Fatigue
- Respiratory Problems
- Cognitive Changes
If you are experiencing these symptoms following vaccination, seeking medical advice is important. Additionally, our vaccine injury lawyers can advise on whether these symptoms qualify for vaccine injury compensation.
We can help you understand the complexities of a vaccine injury case within the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program framework.
Diagnosing and Treating NMO
Diagnosing and treating NMO involves a combination of clinical evaluation, diagnostic tests, and targeted therapies. Understanding this process is important, especially considering a vaccine injury claim related to NMO. Here's a straightforward breakdown:
Diagnosing NMO
- Medical History and Symptoms Review: Doctors first assess symptoms and medical history, looking for patterns indicative of NMO.
- MRI Scans: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used to detect lesions in the spinal cord and optic nerves.
- Blood Tests: Specific tests check for antibodies (like the NMO-IgG antibody) often present in NMO patients.
- Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture): This test checks the cerebrospinal fluid for abnormalities linked to NMO.
Treating NMO
- Corticosteroids: Used to reduce inflammation during NMO attacks.
- Immunosuppressant Drugs: These help control the immune system and prevent further attacks.
- Plasma Exchange Therapy (PLEX): Used in severe cases to remove harmful antibodies from the blood.
- Symptom Management: Includes treatments for pain, bladder control issues, and muscle stiffness.
- Rehabilitation Therapies: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other forms of rehabilitation to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in managing NMO. For those impacted by vaccine-related NMO, consulting with a vaccine injury attorney is an important step.
We can provide advice on pursuing a vaccine injury claim under the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, potentially covering medical expenses and other damages related to NMO.
How We Can Help
Injuries from vaccines can change your life, and you may be qualified to receive financial compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
After lawsuits against vaccine companies and healthcare providers in the 1980s threatened to reduce U.S. vaccination rates and cause a resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases, the VICP was created.
At My Vaccine Lawyer, our team can help you file a claim and guide you through the entire process with the VICP if you have suffered from vaccine-related injuries.
What can you expect from our team?
Our firm will treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve. We understand what you are going through and will work to get the compensation you need and deserve.
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program can be complex, difficult, and contentious. Our attorneys have experience with the medical, legal, and factual issues involved in these cases and are prepared to resolve any disputes arising during the process.
Some of the benefits of working with our team include the following:
Free Case Evaluation: We will review your case and let you know if you are eligible for compensation
No Costs: You do not pay attorney fees or costs to file a case in the vaccine program
Experienced & Skilled Representation: Our team has years of experience fighting for the rights of injured patients
When seeking legal assistance for neuromyelitis optica potentially linked to vaccinations, it's important to choose a law firm that focuses solely on only vaccine injury claims. This specialization guarantees a deep understanding of the nuances and complexities of these specific types of cases.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a vaccine injury, don't wait to get help. We strongly recommend that injured parties hire a vaccine injury lawyer and do not attempt to represent themselves in the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are vaccine injury claims, and how do they relate to NMO?
Vaccine injury claims are legal claims filed when a person believes a vaccine has caused them harm, such as triggering Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO). These claims are processed through a special legal system, often involving vaccine lawyers and federal claims courts.
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Can a flu or HPV vaccine cause Neuromyelitis Optica?
While rare, there have been instances where vaccines like the flu vaccine and HPV vaccine have been associated with the onset of NMO. It's crucial to consult with healthcare professionals and vaccine injury attorneys for individual assessment.
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What is the role of the vaccine court in vaccine injury cases?
The vaccine court is a part of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims that handles vaccine injury claims. It's designed to evaluate cases and determine eligibility for compensation without the need for a traditional lawsuit.
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How do I file a vaccine injury claim for NMO?
Filing a claim involves submitting evidence to the vaccine court, often with the help of specialized vaccine injury lawyers. We guide you through the complex process, including gathering medical records and expert testimonies.
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What compensation can I expect for vaccine-related NMO?
Compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It may also cover future medical expenses related to ongoing treatment for NMO.
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What support is available for vaccine-injured clients with NMO?
Support includes:
- Legal assistance from vaccine injury attorneys.
- Medical care from specialists.
- Potential financial compensation through vaccine injury claims.
The Health and Human Services Department also provides resources and information for affected individuals.
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How do vaccine claims differ from other medical injury claims?
Vaccine claims are processed through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), a no-fault system that differs from traditional medical malpractice claims. This system is designed to handle vaccine injuries and provides a unique pathway for seeking compensation.
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Are polysaccharide conjugate vaccines a risk factor for NMO?
Polysaccharide conjugate vaccines are used to prevent certain bacterial infections and are generally safe. However, like all vaccines, they carry a small risk of adverse effects. If NMO develops after receiving such a vaccine, it's important to consult medical and legal professionals to explore potential links.
I reached out to My Vaccine Lawyer after confirming I suffered from SIRVA. They were so helpful, understanding and thorough throughout the process. They were quick to respond, always answered the phone and I feel they fought to get me what I was entitled to. If you suffered from an injury then please call My Vaccine Lawyer. They will take care of you!
- Melissa Heffley, SIRVA Client