What Vaccine Recipients Need to Know about AIDP and CIDP

The risk of being diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is among the most serious risks associated with flu and tetanus vaccinations. Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) are variants of GBS that can have serious – and potentially fatal – consequences. Individuals who receive flu shots and tetanus booster shots should be aware of the symptoms of AIDP and CIDP, and parents should be prepared to seek medical attention at the first sign of either of these vaccine-related illnesses.

About Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (AIDP)

Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP) is an autoimmune disorder that can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, and that can potentially lead to respiratory failure. Although the exact cause of AIDP remains unknown, the disorder has been linked to flu and tetanus vaccinations in several instances. The symptoms of vaccine-related AIDP include:

  • Loss of muscle control and deep tendon reflexes
  • Pain, tingling and weakness

According to Medscape, “[t]he hallmark of classic AIDP is progressive weakness that usually begins in the feet before involving all 4 limbs.” Approximately 75 percent of individuals diagnosed with AIDP make a full recovery, while roughly 15 percent experience long-term neurological effects. Mortality rates range from two to six percent – with the primary cause of death being respiratory failure. Males are only slightly more likely than females to be diagnosed with AIDP, and diagnosis rates are consistent across races and most age groups.

About Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is typically characterized by progressive or relapsing symptoms similar to those of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. These include:

  • Facial muscle paralysis
  • Fatigue and dizziness
  • Loss of coordination
  • Loss of muscle control and deep tendon reflexes
  • Pain, tingling and weakness (usually beginning in the extremities before moving up the arms and legs)

With CIDP, these symptoms usually come on gradually over a period of several weeks; and, according to Medscape, “[m]ost experts consider the necessary duration of symptoms to be greater than 8 weeks for the diagnosis of CIDP to be made.” There are currently a few potential treatment options available; however, these options all focus on symptom management and physical rehabilitation rather than providing a permanent cure.

AIDP, CIDP and the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP)

As variants of GBS, AIDP and CIDP are eligible for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). Under the VICP, individuals diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries and illnesses can seek financial compensation for their medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with either of these disorders following a flu or tetanus vaccination, it is important that you discuss your rights with an experienced vaccine attorney.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Vaccine Lawyer Leah V. Durant

If you would like more information about filing a claim under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP), we encourage you to contact us for a free and confidential consultation. Vaccine lawyer Leah V. Durant has helped clients nationwide recover millions of dollars under the VICP. To speak with Ms. Durant about your case, please call (202) 800-1711 or request an appointment online today.

Leah Durant Bio

Experienced litigation attorney Leah Durant focuses on representing clients in complex vaccine litigation matters. Leah Durant is the owner and principal attorney of the Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC, a litigation firm based in Washington, DC. Leah Durant and her staff represent clients and their families who suffer from vaccine-related injuries, adverse vaccine reactions and vaccine-related deaths. The Law Offices of Leah V. Durant, PLLC is dedicated to assisting individuals in recovering the highest level of compensation as quickly and efficiently as possible. To learn more, contact vaccine attorney Leah Durant today.