The Vaccine Injured Petitioners Bar Association is here to support you in a vaccine-related injury claim, whether you are the injured party or their legal counsel and representation. We offer knowledge and resources not available elsewhere and use our years of knowledge to help relay key information to get the case outcome you or your client most deserves.
Led by President David J. Carney, a partner at Green & Schafle LLC in Pennsylvania, our leadership team has been fighting for clients’ rights for over two decades at their own firms. Now, we have come together to share resources, education, and advocate for those dealing with vaccine injury claims.
Join a network of experienced vaccine injury attorneys dedicated to collaboration and mentorship. Gain access to CLEs, national conferences, and a growing library of pleadings, motions, and case law. Support your clients with confidence—backed by the resources of the VIP Bar Association.
In the last 50 years, over 154 million lives have been saved thanks to vaccines and immunizations. These vaccines are generally viewed as safe to the public and are an effective way to fight many preventable and deadly diseases. However, people still report injuries related to these vaccines. In fact, around 30,000 cases are opened in the U.S. each year regarding adverse vaccine reactions and injuries.
The following conditions represent some of the most commonly reported injuries that have been linked to various vaccines and have resulted in compensation through the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). These conditions range from nerve inflammation to more serious neurological or autoimmune complications. While these injuries are rare, they are recognized in the medical and legal communities and are supported by clinical and scientific evidence. Each description below includes an overview of the condition, symptoms, diagnostic approach, treatment options, and prognosis.
Guillain–Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nerves, leading to rapidly progressing muscle weakness and, in some cases, paralysis. Symptoms often begin with tingling and numbness in the feet or hands and can advance to difficulty walking, facial weakness, and breathing problems. The onset typically occurs within days to weeks after a triggering event such as a viral infection or, in rare instances, vaccination. Diagnosis is confirmed through clinical evaluation, electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, and a lumbar puncture showing elevated protein in the cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment involves intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasma exchange, along with supportive care and physical therapy. Most individuals recover significantly within months, although some may experience residual weakness, fatigue, or sensory symptoms. Prognosis is generally favorable with early treatment, but severe cases can be life-threatening and require intensive medical support.
Source: Mayo Clinic – Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is an autoimmune disorder affecting the peripheral nervous system, characterized by progressive weakness and impaired sensory function in the arms and legs. Symptoms typically develop over at least eight weeks, distinguishing CIDP from its acute counterpart (GBS), and can include numbness, tingling, and fatigue. Diagnosis often involves nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) to detect slowed nerve signals, along with elevated cerebrospinal fluid protein levels and nerve biopsies in some cases. Treatment usually begins with corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), or plasma exchange, often followed by maintenance therapy to prevent relapses. Physical and occupational therapy play key roles in managing symptoms and preserving function. Most patients experience significant improvement or stabilization, although some may have ongoing sensory impairments or require long-term therapy.
Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine – CIDP
Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) is a rare condition characterized by inflammatory shoulder pain and limited range of motion following vaccine injection, often due to improper intramuscular administration into the shoulder joint or bursa. Individuals typically experience shoulder pain within 48 hours of vaccination that persists for weeks to months, accompanied by stiffness and difficulty performing everyday tasks. Diagnostic evaluation may include physical examination, ultrasound, or MRI imaging to identify bursitis, tendonitis, or adhesive capsulitis. Treatment commonly involves nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, and physical therapy to reduce inflammation and restore mobility. In most cases, patients gradually improve over several weeks, though some may experience prolonged discomfort or require extended rehabilitation. Early recognition and intervention are essential in preventing chronic shoulder dysfunction and ensuring recovery.
Source: SIRVA Overview – PMC
Bell’s palsy is a sudden, temporary facial paralysis caused by inflammation or compression of the seventh cranial (facial) nerve, typically affecting one side of the face. Symptoms often appear rapidly—within hours to a couple of days—and include drooping of the mouth, inability to close one eye, facial muscle weakness, altered taste, and increased sensitivity to sound. Although the exact cause is often unknown, the condition may follow viral infections or, in rare cases, vaccination. Diagnosis is primarily clinical, but in atypical or severe cases, MRI or CT scans may be used to rule out stroke or tumors. Most patients are treated with corticosteroids within 72 hours of symptom onset, along with eye protection methods such as artificial tears or an eye patch; antiviral medications may be added if a viral cause is suspected. Physical therapy can aid in facial muscle recovery, and approximately 70–85% of individuals regain full function within three weeks to three months.
Source: Cleveland Clinic – Bell’s Palsy
Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a rare, rapidly developing inflammatory disorder of the brain and spinal cord marked by widespread demyelination, often triggered by viral infections, and rarely by vaccination. Symptoms usually appear within days to weeks and may include fever, headache, confusion, visual disturbances, seizures, and varying degrees of muscle weakness or paralysis. Diagnosis typically involves MRI imaging that reveals patchy areas of demyelination in the white matter, while cerebrospinal fluid analysis may show elevated protein levels and inflammatory markers. Treatment generally consists of high-dose corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, and in more severe or treatment-resistant cases, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasma exchange may be used. Most individuals experience significant improvement over weeks to months, though some may have lingering neurological deficits or experience recurrent episodes. Early recognition and aggressive treatment are critical to minimizing long-term complications and improving recovery outcomes.
Source: National MS Society – ADEM
Transverse myelitis is an uncommon neurological disorder characterized by inflammation across one or more segments of the spinal cord, often leading to motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction that may arise days to weeks following infection or, in rare cases, vaccination. Affected individuals typically experience sudden onset of symptoms such as leg weakness, numbness, pain, and bladder or bowel dysfunction. Diagnosis involves MRI of the spinal cord, which reveals inflammation and swelling, alongside cerebrospinal fluid analysis to detect inflammatory markers or immune system irregularities. Treatment generally includes high-dose corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, with plasma exchange or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) used in more severe or steroid-resistant cases. Recovery varies; while some patients regain full function within months, others may face persistent neurological deficits, spasticity, or chronic pain, and require long-term rehabilitation. Early detection and prompt intervention are essential to improving outcomes and limiting long-term disability.
Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke – Transverse Myelitis
Parsonage–Turner Syndrome, also known as acute brachial neuritis, is characterized by sudden, severe shoulder and upper arm pain followed by muscle weakness and sensory loss. The pain typically begins abruptly and can last for several days to a few weeks, after which muscle atrophy and partial paralysis may develop in the affected limb. While the exact cause is unknown, the syndrome is often triggered by preceding viral infections, immunizations, or surgical procedures. Diagnosis relies on clinical history and physical examination, with electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies confirming nerve damage, and imaging used to rule out other causes. Treatment focuses on pain control using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids, followed by physical therapy to aid in muscle recovery and restore mobility. Most individuals gradually regain strength over months to years, although up to one-third may experience persistent weakness or discomfort.
Source: Cleveland Clinic – Parsonage–Turner Syndrome
Optic neuritis is an inflammatory condition in which the optic nerve—responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain—becomes swollen, resulting in sudden vision loss, pain with eye movement, and color vision changes. Symptoms generally develop over hours to days and may affect one or both eyes, with patients often describing blurred or dimmed vision and a sense of pressure behind the eye. While the most common cause is autoimmune inflammation associated with multiple sclerosis, it can also, in rare instances, follow viral infections or vaccinations. Diagnosis is typically made through a combination of clinical evaluation, visual field testing, and MRI imaging to detect optic nerve inflammation; additional tests may include visual evoked potentials or a neurological assessment. Treatment generally involves high-dose intravenous corticosteroids followed by an oral taper, which can accelerate visual recovery, although long-term outcomes vary. Most patients recover significant visual function within weeks to months, but some may experience residual visual disturbances such as color desaturation or visual field defects, and there remains a risk of recurrence or progression to neurological disease.
Source: Mayo Clinic – Optic Neuritis
Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO), also known as Devic’s disease, is a rare autoimmune disorder in which antibodies target the optic nerves and spinal cord, leading to severe vision loss and paralysis. Patients typically experience sudden bilateral or sequential optic neuritis—resulting in blurred or darkened vision—and transverse myelitis, causing limb weakness, numbness, and bladder or bowel dysfunction. Symptoms may emerge over hours to days and often recur, sometimes following infection or vaccination. Diagnosis involves detection of AQP4 (aquaporin-4) antibodies in the blood, alongside MRI scans revealing characteristic lesions in the optic nerves and spinal cord. Treatment focuses on acute-phase management with high-dose corticosteroids or plasma exchange, and long-term immunosuppressive therapy—such as rituximab—to prevent relapses. While some individuals recover significant function after an episode, relapses are common, and repeated attacks can result in lasting disability, making early diagnosis and sustained immunotherapy essential.
Source: Cleveland Clinic – Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO)
Vasculitis refers to inflammation of the blood vessel walls, which can affect vessels of any size and occur in virtually any organ system, leading to a wide range of symptoms depending on the affected area. Common manifestations include fever, fatigue, weight loss, and specific signs such as skin rashes, swollen joints, nerve pain, or organ dysfunction like kidney or lung impairment. The onset may follow infections or, rarely, vaccinations that trigger immune system dysregulation. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests (elevated ESR or CRP), antibody screening (such as ANCA), imaging studies (MRI or angiography), and occasionally tissue biopsy to confirm inflammation. Treatment generally starts with corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, often combined with immunosuppressive medications like azathioprine or cyclophosphamide, depending on severity. Prognosis varies by vasculitis type and organ involvement; many patients achieve remission, though relapses are possible and severe cases may lead to permanent organ damage.
Source: Mayo Clinic – Vasculitis
Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets and destroys platelets, leading to abnormally low platelet counts and an increased risk of bleeding and bruising. Symptoms often include petechiae (small red or purple spots), spontaneous bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and in severe cases, internal bleeding. Though its cause is often idiopathic, ITP can occasionally arise following viral infections or, rarely, vaccination. Diagnosis involves blood tests revealing low platelet levels, and additional evaluations—such as blood smears or bone marrow examinations—to exclude other causes. The primary treatments include corticosteroids to suppress the immune response, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and in persistent cases, treatments like rituximab, thrombopoietin receptor agonists, or splenectomy may be considered. Prognosis is generally positive: many children achieve remission, while adults may manage chronic ITP with ongoing therapy and monitoring to maintain safe platelet levels.
Source: NHLBI – Immune Thrombocytopenia
Polymyositis is a rare inflammatory muscle disease (myositis) characterized by progressive muscle weakness, typically affecting the shoulders, upper arms, hips, and thighs. Patients often experience difficulty arising from a chair, climbing stairs, lifting objects, or combing hair, with onset developing over weeks to months. Though the exact cause remains unclear, polymyositis is driven by immune-mediated muscle inflammation and—less commonly—can follow viral infections or vaccination. Diagnosis includes blood tests showing elevated muscle enzymes (e.g., creatine kinase), electromyography (EMG), MRI to detect muscle edema, and often confirmation with muscle biopsy. Treatment typically involves high-dose corticosteroids, followed by long-term immunosuppressants such as methotrexate or azathioprine; physical therapy is essential to maintain strength and prevent atrophy. Prognosis varies: while many patients respond well to treatment, others may experience chronic weakness, relapse, or complications like dysphagia and respiratory muscle involvement.
Source: Cedars‑Sinai Health – Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis
Radial nerve injury occurs when the radial nerve—a major nerve of the arm—becomes compressed, stretched, or otherwise damaged, leading to weakness and sensory disturbances in the wrist, hand, and fingers. Common symptoms include wrist drop (inability to extend the wrist), numbness or tingling along the back of the forearm and hand, and difficulty gripping or writing. The injury may result from trauma, prolonged pressure, or in rare cases, improper vaccine administration into the upper arm. Clinicians diagnose radial neuropathy through physical examination, assessment of motor and sensory deficits, and confirmation with nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG). Management typically involves resting and splinting the affected limb, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief, and physical or occupational therapy to restore strength and function. Most individuals with mild to moderate injury recover fully within weeks to a few months, while severe cases may require surgical intervention and have a longer rehabilitation period.
Source: Cleveland Clinic – Radial Nerve Anatomy & Injury
Autoimmune encephalitis is an inflammatory condition of the brain caused by the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking neuronal cell surface or intracellular proteins, leading to rapid-onset neurological and psychiatric symptoms. Affected individuals may experience confusion, memory loss, seizures, hallucinations, and behavioral changes that develop over days to weeks. Diagnosis combines MRI or CT scans showing brain inflammation, cerebrospinal fluid analysis for inflammatory markers or specific antibodies, and EEG to detect abnormal brain activity. Treatment typically involves high-dose corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), or plasma exchange to reduce immune-mediated damage, with long-term immunosuppressive therapy often required to prevent relapses. Prognosis varies—many patients improve significantly with prompt treatment, but some may face persistent cognitive deficits, seizures, or emotional disturbances.
Source: Mayo Clinic – Autoimmune Encephalitis
Intussusception occurs when a segment of the intestine folds into an adjacent section, causing blockage, inflammation, and compromised blood flow. Common in infants and young children, symptoms typically include sudden abdominal pain with intermittent cramping, vomiting, bloating, bloody or “currant jelly” stools, and lethargy. Diagnosis is usually confirmed via abdominal ultrasound, which reveals the classic “target” or “doughnut” sign; an abdominal X-ray may also be used to evaluate obstruction. Treatment is prompt and can often be non-surgical, using an air or contrast enema to reduce the intussusception; in cases of perforation or failed enema, surgical repair may be necessary. Most children recover fully with timely intervention, though delayed treatment can lead to complications like bowel necrosis, perforation, or infection.
Source: Mayo Clinic – Intussusception
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the central nervous system. Symptoms can vary widely—from visual disturbances, numbness, and tingling to muscle weakness, balance problems, and cognitive changes—and typically evolve over days to weeks, often in repeating relapses and remissions or gradually progressive patterns. Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical evaluation supported by MRI revealing lesions in the brain and spinal cord, along with cerebrospinal fluid analysis to detect immune activity. Treatments include disease-modifying therapies (such as interferons, monoclonal antibodies, and oral agents) to reduce relapse frequency and slow disease progression, as well as corticosteroids to manage acute exacerbations. Rehabilitation strategies—physical, occupational, and speech therapy—are key for maintaining function, managing fatigue, and improving quality of life. While there is currently no cure for MS, many individuals live full lives with early intervention and comprehensive care, though some may experience accumulating disability over time.
Source: National MS Society – What Is MS?
If you or someone you love has been injured or affected by any of these conditions after receiving a vaccination or immunization, seeking legal counsel is necessary, and the VIP Bar Association is here to help you find your perfect fit.
Many vaccine injuries have similar symptoms, and it is important to be aware of these potential symptoms when going in for a routine immunization. In addition to severe pain, which can happen in many vaccine injury cases, some of the other symptoms–some of which can be life-threatening–include the following:
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the above symptoms, we encourage you to see a medical provider for immediate treatment and evaluation
Vaccines can cause injuries; there is no way around it. While for the most part, those who receive vaccinations are completely fine, others can suffer physical, mental, and emotional harm. In the United States, many vaccines are required for certain age groups, and in fact, only around 32% of states allow for people to be exempt based on all three reasons of medical, philosophical, or religious beliefs. The most common vaccines in vaccine-related injury claims include:
If you are a victim of a vaccine-related injury, you do have the ability to file a claim on your own. This is known as “pro se.” However, having a skilled vaccine injury attorney to advocate for you substantially improves your chances of successfully winning compensation. There are several benefits your case can secure if you hire a vaccine injury lawyer, including:
If you have been injured by a vaccine or immunization, the team at the VIP Bar Association can help connect you with the right attorney to help build your case.
At the Vaccine Injured Petitioners Bar Association, we are committed to helping those injured by vaccinations and their legal representation. We are also passionate about connecting victims to the right legal counsel and ensuring they have their greatest chance at success when it comes to their vaccine injury claim. If you are a victim of a vaccine injury or you are a vaccine injury lawyer, we are here to support you. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
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