The rarest known variant of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), acute panautonomic neuropathy, is an autoimmune disorder that often results in severe and permanent physical impairments. With the potential for lasting complications, it is critical for individuals diagnosed with acute panautonomic neuropathy following a vaccination to enforce their rights under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
Acute panautonomic neuropathy is a demyelinating variant of GBS that has been linked to vaccinations for tetanus and influenza. While rare, acute panautonomic neuropathy is a severe form of GBS that often results in an incomplete recovery, leaving patients and their families to cope with a wide range of physical, emotional and financial consequences. As a recognized variant of vaccine-related GBS, compensation is available for acute panautonomic neuropathy under the VICP, and individuals diagnosed with this disorder may be able to significantly improve their long-term outlook by enforcing their legal rights.
Understanding Acute Panautonomic Neuropathy
Effects on Breathing, Heartbeat and Digestion
Acute panautonomic neuropathy is characterized by its effects on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Together, these symptoms comprise the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for regulating the bodily functions that most people take for granted. Breathing, keeping the heart beating and digesting food are among the main functions the autonomic nervous system serves, and they are also among the main functions that acute panautonomic neuropathy can disrupt.
Cardiovascular Complications
Among the most dangerous effects of acute panautonomic neuropathy is the disorder’s effects on the cardiovascular system. Individuals diagnosed with this disorder commonly experience:
- Postural hypotension (low systolic blood pressure)
- Tachycardia (abnormally-high resting heart rate)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Dysrhythmias (abnormal heart beat)
Each of these conditions has its own potential complications, which further increases the health risks for individuals diagnosed with vaccine-related acute panautonomic neuropathy.
Other Symptoms of Acute Panautonomic Neuropathy
Individuals who are diagnosed with acute panautonomic neuropathy following a flu or tetanus vaccination may experience a variety of other symptoms. In addition to the autonomic nervous system and cardiovascular complications, other potential symptoms include:
- Anhydrosis (inability to perspire)
- Blurred vision
- Dry eyes
- Sensory limitations
Understanding the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
Administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal program that has paid more than $3 billion to individuals diagnosed with various forms of GBS and other vaccine-related injuries. The VICP is a “no-fault” system, meaning individuals diagnosed with GBS can recover compensation without the need to prove causation, or that a hospital or pharmaceutical company made a mistake that led to their illness. For more information about the VICP, we encourage you to:
- Learn about the process involved in filing a vaccine lawsuit
- Find answers to FAQs about enforcing your rights after a diagnosis of vaccine-related GBS
- See some examples of our recent results in VICP claims
Contact GBS Vaccine Lawyer Today
If you have been diagnosed with acute panautonomic neuropathy following a flu or tetanus vaccination, GBS Vaccine Lawyer can provide you with a free assessment of your rights under the VICP. To discuss your situation in confidence, call us at (202) 775-9200 or send us your information online today.