Encephalopathy
Encephalopathy
Encephalopathy is a serious neurological condition that occurs when the brain becomes inflamed or damaged, leading to changes in mental function, behavior, or consciousness.
In rare cases, it can develop after vaccination due to an abnormal immune response that triggers inflammation in the brain. This inflammation disrupts normal brain activity, which can cause confusion, seizures, or loss of awareness.
Symptoms often begin suddenly, within hours or days after vaccination, and can range from mild disorientation to severe neurological impairment.
In infants or children, encephalopathy may appear as excessive sleepiness, irritability, constant crying, or developmental regression. In adults, symptoms may include confusion, memory loss, or unusual behavior.
Warning signs can appear suddenly and may include:
Confusion, disorientation, or loss of consciousness
Seizures or abnormal body movements
Sudden changes in behavior or personality
Persistent vomiting, high fever, or extreme sleepiness
Loss of coordination, vision, or speech problems
While many patients recover with treatment, others may experience long-term neurological effects such as chronic fatigue, cognitive changes, or memory issues.
If you or your child experienced sudden neurological symptoms after a vaccination, you may be entitled to compensation. But there is a short deadline to gather your medical records and file that claim, so contact our firm now for help.
-
Encephalopathy is a broad term describing damage or dysfunction of the brain that affects how a person thinks, feels, or behaves.
It can be caused by infection, toxins, lack of oxygen, metabolic disorders, or an immune reaction.
When the brain’s normal function is disrupted, nerve cells become inflamed or injured, leading to confusion, seizures, or changes in consciousness.
Refers to altered brain function, not a single disease.
May be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause.
Can affect both children and adults, though symptoms may appear differently.
-
Yes, encephalopathy can occur after vaccination due to an abnormal immune response that triggers inflammation in the brain.
This may happen when the immune system overreacts to a vaccine antigen or component, mistakenly targeting brain tissue.
Recognized as a covered condition under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
Has been most often associated with DTaP, pertussis-containing, and influenza vaccines.
-
Encephalopathy symptoms can vary widely, depending on the severity and the person’s age.
In all cases, it reflects a loss of normal brain function.
In adults: confusion, memory loss, behavior changes, dizziness, or seizures.
In infants or children: unusual sleepiness, irritability, constant crying, loss of developmental skills, or lack of responsiveness.
Some may experience fever, vomiting, or loss of coordination before neurological symptoms appear.
Symptoms can appear within hours or days after vaccination and may progress quickly if not treated.
-
Treatment focuses on reducing brain inflammation and preventing further injury.
Hospital care is often required for monitoring and supportive treatment.
Corticosteroids or immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG) may be used to calm the immune system.
Seizure medications help manage convulsions or abnormal brain activity.
Rehabilitation — such as physical, occupational, or speech therapy — may be needed for long-term recovery.
Recovery depends on the cause and severity. Some patients recover fully, while others may have lasting neurological effects.
-
Occurs in roughly 1 in 100,000 to 1 in 300,000 vaccine recipients, depending on the vaccine type.
Children under age 2 are most often affected in reported vaccine-related cases.
Most people recover fully with timely medical care.
Recognized by the U.S. Vaccine Injury Table, meaning causation is presumed if symptoms appear within a defined time period after vaccination.
