Am I eligible for vaccine injury compensation?
What Is Encephalopathy?
Encephalopathy is an umbrella term that describes a number of structural or functional brain conditions. It can be temporary or permanent, and ranges from mild memory loss to personality changes, dementia and seizures.
Encephalopathy can result from many conditions. For example, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is caused by multiple traumas or injuries to the brain.
What Causes Encephalopathy?
Common causes of encephalopathy:
- Liver or kidney failure
- Viral, bacterial or other infections
- Brain trauma
Other causes of encephalopathy include:
- Lack of oxygen to the brain
- Various metabolic diseases
- Brain tumors
- Toxic chemicals
- Poor nutrition from low vitamin B1 intake
Can Vaccines Cause Encephalopathy?
While it’s a rare occurrence, vaccines are sometimes associated with encephalopathy. These vaccines include:
- Diphtheria, Tetanus or Pertussis (DTap, DT, Td, Tdap, DTP-Hib)
- Influenza (Flu)
- Measles, Mumps, or Rubella (MMR or MMRV)
- Varicella/Chickenpox (VAR)
What Are The Symptoms Of Encephalopathy?
Since encephalopathy describes a number of different brain issues, symptoms can vary extensively. They depend on the cause and severity of the specific type of encephalopathy.
Many people with encephalopathy have changes in their mental status, such as:
- Difficulty with memory or concentration
- Reduced problem-solving skills
- Poor decision-making or concentration
- Increased drowsiness and lethargy
- Changes in personality
People with encephalopathy could also experience neurological symptoms, like:
- Muscle weakness in one area
- Involuntary twitching or trembling
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Seizures
Children are more likely than adults to develop this condition from a vaccine. When they do, they may have one or more of these symptoms:
- Fever
- Seizures
- Muscle weakness
- Irritability
- Decreased attention span
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- General body pains
If any of these symptoms appear, bring them immediately to a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment. Symptoms are usually minor and don’t last long. However, in rare instances, encephalopathy can be devastatingly severe and life-altering. Some children and adults with this condition require long-term care.
How Is Encephalopathy Diagnosed?
In general, doctors diagnose encephalopathy when a person has an altered mental state along with another condition, such as brain injury or organ failure. The doctor performs a physical examination that assesses mental status, memory and coordination.
To find the underlying health issue eliciting encephalopathy, doctors use diagnostic tests that can include blood tests, imaging exams and metabolic tests.
Other tests may be ordered depending on encephalopathy symptoms, and not all tests will be done on every patient.
How Is Encephalopathy Treated?
Encephalopathy treatment depends on the underlying cause. This can include adjusting or beginning medications, surgery or other treatments for what caused the encephalopathy. In some cases, a nutritional supplement or a change in diet can help.
In severe cases of encephalopathy, life support may be needed to ensure the brain has enough oxygen while neurological issues are being treated.
Am I Eligible For Vaccine Injury Compensation?
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) includes encephalopathy as a covered vaccine injury.
If you or a loved one has developed encephalopathy, take our vaccine eligibility quiz to see if you qualify for compensation. Our experienced vaccine injury attorneys can file a claim for you with the VICP at no cost to you.