Brooke Gorzelanczyk v. HHS - HPV, syncope with traumatic nasal and dental injuries (2025)
Case summary [AI summaries can sometimes make mistakes]
On November 15, 2024, Brooke Gorzelanczyk filed a petition alleging that she suffered a Table syncope injury after receiving meningococcal and HPV vaccines on August 8, 2023. She was 17 years old at vaccination.
Within one hour of vaccination, Ms. Gorzelanczyk fainted, fell forward, struck her face, bled from her nose, and chipped two front teeth.
Emergency imaging showed acute comminuted nasal bone fractures. The next day, a dentist repaired the damaged teeth with composite restorations.
On August 17, 2023, she underwent closed reduction of the nasal fracture under general anesthesia. She later developed chronic nasal obstruction from profound septal deviation and turbinate hypertrophy, and on June 20, 2024 underwent septoplasty and bilateral submucosal resection of the inferior turbinates.
Respondent concluded she suffered a Table syncope injury with residual effects lasting at least six months. On September 11, 2025, Chief Special Master Brian H.
Corcoran adopted the parties' stipulation and awarded $130,000.00 for pain and suffering. A later fee award was for litigation fees and costs only.
Ms. Gorzelanczyk was represented by John D.
March.
Theory of causation
Meningococcal and HPV vaccines on August 8, 2023 at age 17 causing Table syncope with traumatic nasal/dental injuries; onset within one hour. COMPENSATED. Key evidence: fall with nose bleeding/chipped teeth; CT acute comminuted nasal fractures; dental composite repairs; closed reduction Aug 17, 2023; chronic nasal obstruction/septal deviation/turbinate hypertrophy; septoplasty/turbinate surgery Jun 20, 2024. Award $130,000 pain and suffering. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition November 15, 2024; decision September 11, 2025.