Dermatomyositis (JDM) Triggered by a Vaccine
What is Dermatomyositis?
Dermatomyositis is a rare autoimmune disease. It leads to an inflammatory response in which the body’s immune system attacks blood vessels in the muscle and skin. Typical symptoms include muscle weakness and a skin rash. Both children and adults are susceptible to this disease, although it is most common in children between ages 5 and 10, and adults between ages 40 and 50. Highly experienced attorneys at MCT Law represent people with vaccine triggered dermatomyositis.
The adult form of the disease presents differently than the juvenile form. Additionally, females are affected about twice as often as males. However, it does not appear that people of a certain race or from a specific geographic region are predisposed to this disease. The American College of Rheumatology estimates that about 3 out of one million children are diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis (known as JDM) each year.
IMPORTANT: The information below does NOT apply to injuries from COVID-19 vaccinations.
What Causes Dermatomyositis (JDM) and Could Vaccines be a Factor?
Doctors and researchers don’t fully understand what causes this disease; no single factor has been identified as the cause of dermatomyositis or JDM. However, some individuals show a genetic predisposition to the condition, even though it’s not inherited in the way other muscle diseases are, such as muscular dystrophy.
It’s believed dermatomyositis is an abnormal immune system response triggered by some external factors, including infection, injury, sunburn, or even some vaccinations. According to Boston Children’s Hospital, a vaccine may trigger a child’s JDM if he or she was predisposed to the condition. No specific vaccine has been identified as a singular trigger, but reactions have been reported in medical literature after the H1N1 vaccine, trivalent influenza vaccine, and HBV or Hepatitis B vaccination.
Attorneys at mctlaw are highly experienced at representing people with vaccine triggered dermatomyositis within the United States Court of Federal Claims. You can download and read through one of our more recent case results here: Case 00-749V.
What are the Symptoms of Dermatomyositis?
The disease mainly shows itself in two ways.
First, a distinctive rash and muscle inflammation, and a pinkish/purple or reddish rash usually appear on the face, eyelids, and hands, and sometimes the skin near joints, including the knuckles, knees, and elbows. The rash is often scaly and may look similar to eczema, but the color should set it apart from other skin conditions. This rash may get worse after sun exposure and this is often the first sign of dermatomyositis.
Second, muscle weakness caused by inflammation. The muscles affected are usually those closest to the ‘trunk’ of the body, which includes the neck, shoulders, and hips. So patients may have a hard time getting into a car, off the floor, climbing stairs, or brushing their hair.
Other symptoms include difficulty swallowing, muscle pain or tenderness, fatigue, fever, weight loss, hardened deposits of calcium under the skin, stomach ulcers, intestinal tears, and lung problems.
Diagnosed with Dermatomyositis After a Vaccine?
One of our highly experienced vaccine attorneys can review your case for free
Treatment
Although there is no cure for juvenile dermatomyositis, there are treatments to help reduce or eliminate symptoms. There are three possible outcomes for those diagnosed with JDM: continuous disease, chronic limitations, or full remission. The most common medications used are corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and chemotherapy.
Content Reviewed by Joseph Vuckovich – Vaccine Injury Lawyer
Joseph Vuckovich represents clients in the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. He is based in mctlaw’s Washington, DC office. Joe studied neuroscience and psychology at Harvard where he earned his B.S. degree. He earned a Master’s Degree in biology from the University of Cambridge in the UK, and his law degree from New York University School of Law. Joe grew up in Pittsburgh and now lives in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife and daughter.
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