MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE

Medical Negligence – Narcolepsy Claims

Pandemrix vaccine was used to vaccinate almost one million people across Ireland against Swine Flu during 2009/10. In addition, the vaccine was used post March 2010 in this country as a substitute for the ‘flu jab’ when supplies ran short.

An association between an increased risk of narcolepsy and the administration of the Pandemrix vaccine was first noted in Sweden in 2010. Thereafter, investigations performed by regulatory authorities across Europe confirmed similar findings in France, UK, Norway, Finland and Ireland.

The vaccine was withdrawn from the Irish market in early 2011.

What is narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder affecting the brain’s ability to control sleep-wake cycles. Symptoms include poor night sleep, with persistent sleepiness and irresistible sleep attacks which occur during the day.  Many patients report ‘microsleeps’ or temporary sleep episodes where they fall asleep for very short periods, often just for seconds, before automatically continuing the activity in which they had been engaged prior to the micro-sleep without any conscious awareness of what they were doing. For example, those affected have reported writing nonsense, placing items in irrational locations etc. This can be dangerous- for example, where a micro-sleep occurs while driving or cooking. Many people with narcolepsy also experience Cataplexy. Cataplexy is a sudden loss of muscle tone instigated by times of high emotion- ranging from a slackness of facial muscles to total collapse.

There is no cure for narcolepsy. Symptoms are managed with medication and lifestyle changes. Accordingly, the condition is life-changing.

Brigid O’Donnell has been involved in the investigation of claims for compensation for clients who developed narcolepsy having been given the Pandemrix vaccine. Many claims have now been settled through mediation. If you received the Pandemrix vaccination and subsequently developed narcolepsy, contact us for a consultation. Brigid O’Donnell is a native of Cashel, Tipperary. She established Brigid O’Donnell Solicitors, with office facilities in Clonmel, Tipperary and Cork City in August 2023. Brigid is happy to meet with clients at a time and place convenient to you. Remote consultations are facilitated and meetings can be arranged outside normal office hours if required.

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Brigid O’Donnell, Solicitor, a native of Cashel, Tipperary has successfully recovered compensation for clients who developed narcolepsy having been given the Pandemrix vaccine for Swine Flu. Many of these claims have now been settled through mediation. If you received the Pandemrix vaccination and subsequently developed narcolepsy, contact us for a consultation at our offices in Clonmel, or Cork City by appointment. Brigid O’Donnell Solicitors also facilitate remote consultations or meetings at a time and place convenient to you.

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2024-07-24T16:21:32+00:00
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