Brachial Neuritis (Parsonage-Turner Syndrome)

Brachial Neuritis, a Rare Condition Caused by Vaccine Injections

Imagine going to your doctor or local pharmacy for a routine flu shot. You know the injection’s not going to be pleasant.

As soon as you feel the needle press in, you experience pain in your shoulder. But, you know the vaccine’s supposed to cause pain, so you don’t think too much of it.

Several days and weeks later, you still feel the pain. Then, just as quickly as it came, it goes away. But, it’s replaced by weakness in your upper arm. You also notice a more limited range of motion.

If that sounds familiar, you’ve experienced brachial neuritis.

What is Brachial Neuritis (Parsonage-Turner Syndrome)?

You have a network of nerves running from your shoulder to your hand. These nerves carry signals from your brain so you can experience sensation or move your fingers.

These nerves are called the brachial plexus. If you get a tetanus or flu vaccine, and the procedure’s not done correctly, you can experience brachial neuritis.

What are the Other Symptoms of Brachial Neuritis?

This condition isn’t limited to just the above symptoms. Other people affected by this condition also report:

  • A sharp, piercing, or radiating pain (instead of a dull ache or throbbing pain)
  • Pain only on the side of their body that experienced the injection

Eventually, brachial neuritis can cause complete paralysis of your arm if left untreated.

What Causes Brachial Neuritis?

Many causes of this condition are not known. It can appear to onset for no reason, and then slowly go away in the coming months.

Some known causes include a recent illness or surgery. If your brachial plexus experiences damage from a fall or gunshot wound, that also can cause brachial neuritis.

But the administration of any vaccine into your shoulder, and especially the flu and tetanus vaccines, can also cause this condition. If that happens, usually medical professionals either used improper technique or too long of a needle.

How Will You Doctor Diagnose Brachial Neuritis?

Your doctor may try an X-ray or MRI of your cervical spine. However, that typically shows nothing abnormal. An EMG may also be used to see if your pain comes from a pinched nerve root.

Combining these procedures with a physical exam helps your doctor make an accurate diagnosis.

How do You Treat Brachial Neuritis?

Treatment depends on how you respond to the various solutions provided. Powerful medications like oral steroids and narcotics, surgery, and physical therapy may be required over the course of several months before you make nearly a full recovery. Your doctor may also ask you to rest and reduce your activity levels. To speed your recovery, you should also avoid alcohol and cigarettes, eat healthy, and get some regular exercise. However, you should discuss all these changes with your doctor.

Because this injury makes your life more stressful, you may also benefit from relaxation exercises like yoga.

What Should You Do if You Suspect Brachial Neuritis?

You should always seek medical treatment immediately. You will experience intense pain that makes doing your regular activity difficult. It may also be hard to sleep.

If it turns out you have a valid legal claim, you’ll have documentation to support your case.

Who’s Responsible for My Injury?

If you got a flu or tetanus vaccine and experienced brachial neuritis a few weeks or months later, you may be entitled to compensation.

The federal government has established the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) to compensate victims of this injury. However, the medical professional administering your vaccine is not held legally responsible for your injuries.

Can I Seek Legal Action and Get Financial Compensation for Brachial Neuritis?

Yes you can, but it’s not an easy process.

Regardless of where you got harmed, the only court in the nation that hears your case is the US Federal Claims Court in Washington, DC. While they recognize brachial neuritis resulting from a tetanus vaccine as a valid injury, there’s all kinds of complex legal details to work out. And only lawyers who carry a special license to practice in front of that court can represent you.

Howie Law, P.C. represents personal injury victims in all 50 states who’ve experienced brachial neuritis from a vaccine. Our “Super Lawyers,” as rated by Thomson Reuters, have helped victims of brachial neuritis recover millions for their injuries.

At Howie Law, P.C., you pay nothing unless you win. And we get you up to $250,000 in cash, and compensation for lost ability to produce income, medical bills, and pain and suffering.

Get your free consultation by contacting Howie Law online, or calling 866-828-2028 today.

Your information stays 100% confidential.