Noah E. Musick v. HHS - Prevnar-13, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2025)

On March 27, 2018, Noah E. Musick filed a claim in the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, alleging that the Prevnar-13 vaccine administered on March 31, 2017, caused him to develop Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).

Petitioner presented medical records detailing his symptoms, neurological examinations, and treatment. Respondent argued that Mr.

Musick's condition was not GBS and that the vaccine did not cause his illness. The Special Master reviewed expert testimony and medical literature.

Petitioner's expert, Dr. Lawrence Steinman, proposed theories of molecular mimicry between vaccine components (phosphoglycerol and CRM-197 protein) and nerve tissue, as well as the role of the adjuvant alum, to explain how Prevnar-13 could cause GBS.

Respondent's experts, Drs. Peter Donofrio and Stephen McGeady, contested the diagnosis of GBS and the causation theories, suggesting alternative diagnoses such as rhabdomyolysis or attributing symptoms to pre-existing spinal stenosis and vascular disease.

The Special Master found that Mr. Musick's medical records, clinical presentation, diagnostic testing, and Dr.

Steinman's expert opinion sufficiently supported a diagnosis of GBS. The Special Master also found that Dr.

Steinman's theories of molecular mimicry provided a sound and reliable explanation for how the Prevnar-13 vaccine could cause GBS, satisfying the Althen prongs for off-Table claims. The Special Master ruled that Mr.

Musick is entitled to compensation, with damages to be determined at a later date. Petitioner was represented by Lisa A.

Roquemore, and respondent was represented by Lauren Kells. The decision was issued by Special Master Thomas L.

Gowen.