Heidi Domke v. HHS - Tdap, anaphylaxis and brachial neuritis (2017)

Heidi Domke filed a petition alleging that within 45 minutes of receiving a Tdap vaccine on March 13, 2013, she experienced severe headache, shortness of breath, decreased blood pressure, and "air hunger." She claimed on-Table anaphylaxis and on-Table brachial neuritis, and alternatively, an immune-mediated inflammatory condition affecting her left arm, shoulder, and chest. The respondent recommended against compensation, stating she did not have anaphylaxis or brachial neuritis.

The court granted multiple extensions for Ms. Domke to file an expert report, as the medical records did not support her allegations.

Ultimately, Ms. Domke moved to dismiss her own petition, acknowledging her inability to meet the burden of proof.

Medical records showed negative allergy tests to Tdap and other common allergens, and EMG results were normal, ruling out brachial neuritis. The court dismissed the case for failure to make a prima facie case, as Ms.

Domke could not prove she had either anaphylaxis or brachial neuritis, nor did she provide a medical expert report to support her claims.