Intussusception
Intussusception
Intussusception is a serious gastrointestinal condition in which a portion of the intestine slides, or “telescopes,” into an adjacent section of the bowel. This can cause a dangerous blockage that prevents food or fluid from passing through and can cut off blood supply.
As the intestine folds in on itself, pressure builds inside the bowel, causing severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and sometimes bloody stools. The symptoms can come and go at first, but they often worsen.
Warning signs can appear suddenly and may include:
Severe, cramping abdominal pain that comes in waves
Inconsolable crying or drawing knees to the chest (in infants)
Vomiting, which may become forceful or contain bile
Swelling or tenderness in the abdomen
Stools that appear bloody or resemble red jelly
Fatigue, weakness, or unresponsiveness as the condition worsens
Intussusception is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment, often with an air or barium enema to unfold the intestine. In some cases, surgery may be needed if the bowel is damaged.
Most children recover fully once the bowel is repaired, but early diagnosis is critical to prevent life-threatening complications.
If your child developed sudden, severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or bloody stools after receiving a rotavirus or other vaccine, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. But these claims have strict filing deadlines, so contact our firm now to start your claim.
-
Intussusception is a serious intestinal condition that occurs when one segment of the intestine slides, or “telescopes,” into another.
This can block the normal flow of food and fluids and cut off the blood supply to parts of the bowel.
Without treatment, the tissue can die, leading to infection or even life-threatening complications.
Most common in infants between 6 and 18 months old.
Causes a bowel obstruction and severe pain.
Can happen suddenly and progress quickly.
-
Yes. Intussusception is a recognized vaccine-related injury, most commonly linked to certain rotavirus vaccines (such as RotaTeq and Rotarix).
While these vaccines are safe for most children, they have been shown in rare cases to trigger intussusception shortly after administration.
Believed to result from immune activation in the intestines, which can cause swelling of intestinal tissue.
The risk is highest within the first week after vaccination.
Intussusception following a covered vaccine is eligible for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).
-
The symptoms of intussusception are often sudden and severe.
They may come and go in waves, as the intestine contracts around the blockage.
Severe, cramping abdominal pain that causes the child to cry intensely.
Pulling knees to the chest during pain episodes.
Vomiting, sometimes containing bile (greenish fluid).
Bloody or jelly-like stools, often dark red.
Abdominal swelling or tenderness.
Lethargy or unresponsiveness as the condition worsens.
Infants may alternate between periods of intense crying and exhaustion, making diagnosis urgent.
-
Intussusception is a medical emergency that must be treated quickly to prevent permanent damage to the bowel.
Non-surgical treatment: A barium or air enema is often used to unfold the intestine.
Surgery: Required if the bowel is damaged or the enema fails.
Hospital monitoring: Patients are observed for recurrence, which can happen in a small number of cases.
Most children recover fully with prompt care, but delayed treatment can be life-threatening.
-
Occurs in approximately 1 in 20,000 to 1 in 100,000 infants per year.
After rotavirus vaccination, the risk is estimated at 1 to 5 cases per 100,000 doses.
Most cases occur within 7 days of the first or second vaccine dose.
>90% of treated children recover completely, especially with early intervention.
Intussusception is listed on the Vaccine Injury Table for rotavirus vaccines under the VICP.
