Judy Echols v. HHS - Influenza, neuralgic amyotrophy (2023)

Judy Echols, a 70-year-old woman, received an influenza vaccine on November 12, 2015. She alleged that the vaccine caused her to develop neuralgic amyotrophy, also known as brachial neuritis or Parsonage-Turner syndrome, in her left arm.

Prior to the vaccination, Ms. Echols had experienced left shoulder pain diagnosed as bursitis, which she attributed to overuse and which provided some relief with a steroid injection.

However, within hours of receiving the flu vaccine, she developed new symptoms of numbness, tingling, and weakness in her left arm. These symptoms progressed over the following days, leading to significant loss of function and pain.

The Special Master found that Ms. Echols's pre-vaccination shoulder pain was distinct from the post-vaccination symptoms and that the flu vaccine was the cause of her neuralgic amyotrophy.

The court reviewed the case, affirming the Special Master's findings that Ms. Echols met the criteria for causation-in-fact under the Althen standard.

The court found that the Special Master properly considered the medical records, expert testimony, and scientific literature, including the work of Nens van Alfen, a recognized authority on neuralgic amyotrophy. The Special Master concluded that the vaccine triggered the onset of her condition, establishing a proximate temporal relationship and a logical sequence of cause and effect.

The court affirmed the Special Master's decision, finding that the factual findings were not arbitrary or capricious and that the legal conclusions were not contrary to law. Ms.

Echols was awarded approximately $110,000 for past pain and suffering and unreimbursed expenses.