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Can a Vaccine Cause MOGAD?
MOGAD, which stands for Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody-Associated Disease, is a rare autoimmune disorder that can develop after a vaccination.
MOGAD is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system becomes overactive and begins attacking healthy tissue. In MOGAD, it targets myelin, which is the protective layer surrounding nerves in the brain, spinal cord, and eyes.
Vaccines that have been connected to neurological conditions similar to MOGAD include:
Vaccine Associated with MOGAD Reactions:
MOGAD Related Neurological Reactions:
These reactions fall within the range of MOGAD symptoms and may signal a rare immune response following vaccination.
IMPORTANT: This information does NOT apply to injuries from the COVID-19 vaccine.
How to File a Vaccine Injury Claim for MOGAD
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, or VICP, is a federal program that provides financial compensation to people who suffer serious reactions after getting certain vaccines.
If you were diagnosed with MOGAD after a vaccination, you may be eligible for compensation to help pay for:
- Medical treatment and ongoing care
- Lost income from missing work
- Pain and suffering
Filing a claim through the VICP is different from filing a standard lawsuit. All claims are handled in a specialized federal court called the United States Court of Federal Claims.
The attorneys at mctlaw have decades of experience representing people in this court and successfully securing compensation through the vaccine injury claims process.
You will not have to pay anything out of pocket for legal representation. If we take your case, the VICP pays your attorney fees on your behalf. You will keep 100% of any compensation awarded.
Download Our Guide to the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
- Learn how the vaccine injury attorneys can help you
- Find out who is eligible to file a claim
- What vaccines are covered
- How to choose a vaccine injury lawyer
- Medical records needed
What Is MOGAD?
MOGAD is a neurological disorder in which the immune system creates antibodies that mistakenly attack myelin. Myelin is a protective coating that helps nerves send signals throughout the body. When myelin is damaged, it causes inflammation in the brain, spinal cord, or optic nerves.
Researchers do not yet fully understand what causes MOGAD. However, the condition has been reported after infections, illnesses, and in some cases, after vaccinations.
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Types of MOGAD
There are two types of MOGAD, and understanding which one applies can help with diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Monophasic MOGAD involves a single episode of symptoms that does not return.
- Relapsing MOGAD involves multiple attacks over time, with periods of recovery between episodes.
Symptoms of MOGAD
MOGAD symptoms depend on which part of the central nervous system is affected. They are typically grouped into three categories:
Optic Neuritis (Eye Symptoms)
- Vision loss or blurry vision
- Double vision
- Eye pain
- Trouble seeing colors
Transverse Myelitis (Spinal Cord Symptoms)
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness or tingling
- Bladder or bowel issues
- Trouble walking
- Sharp, shooting pain in the back, neck, or limbs
ADEM – Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (Brain Symptoms)
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Loss of coordination or balance
- Headaches
- Behavioral changes
- Loss of consciousness
Diagnosing MOGAD
MOGAD can be difficult to diagnose because it shares symptoms with other neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis. There are some key differences that help doctors identify MOGAD, including:
- Elevated white blood cell counts in spinal fluid
- Lesions found on brain or spinal cord MRIs
- Lack of antibody patterns seen in other autoimmune conditions
Accurate and early diagnosis is important so that treatment can begin as soon as possible.
Diana L. Stadelnikas is a lawyer who represents vaccine injury clients and families across the United States. She is admitted to the Florida Bar and is a member of the bar of the United States Court of Federal Claims in Washington, DC. Ms. Stadelnikas has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. Diana was part of a pioneering team of pediatric surgical nurses at West Virginia University Medical Center.
