Diagnosis: Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (“ADEM”)

A 67-year-old man received the influenza (“flu”) vaccination, then the PPSV23 vaccination four weeks later.  Approximately five weeks after his flu vaccine and one week after PPSV23 vaccine, he began to experience impaired speech, facial droop, and difficulty standing and walking.  Ultimately, he was admitted to the hospital and diagnosed with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (“ADEM”).  His ongoing symptoms included weakness, seizures, and cognitive impairment.  He required long-term home health care, as well as ongoing occupational, physical and speech therapies, and continues to utilize a walker or wheelchair to ambulate.

Result: Petitioner was awarded $224,660.65, inclusive of past medical expenses, pain and suffering, and the first year of his future medical expenses.  The petitioner was also awarded an annuity sufficient to pay for future medical expenses related to his vaccine injury for the rest of his life.