Sex: F
Vaccine: LYME
Symptoms: Neuropathy peripheral, Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging abnormal, Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging brain abnormal, Pain, Paraesthesia
Clinical narrative: This case was reported by a lawyer and described the occurrence of joint pain in a female subject of unspecified age who was vaccinated with LYMERIX. A physician or other health care professional has not verified this report. On an unspecified date the subject received unspecified dose of LYMERIX (unknown). On an unspecified date after vaccination with LYMERIX, the subject experienced joint pain, swelling, tingling, burning, numbness, shooting pains, headaches, flu-like symptoms, eye pain, vision disorders, possible memory loss, decreased activities of daily life, rheumatologic, neurologic and/or cognitive impairment of an autoimmune, immune-mediated, or other mechanism. At the time of reporting the outcome of the events was unspecified. This information was received via a Statement of Injuries. Follow-up information was received on 09 April 2009 via medical records. On 08 July 1996, the subject was evaluated for the development of paresthesias. Further testing was planned. The subject was seen for a neurological consultation on 29 July 1996. Complaints included numbness of the hands and feet and pain in her arms and legs. On 17 July 1996 the subject complained of left eye pain during a routine exam. Following evaluation, it was noted that the subject had evidence of iritis. On 12 August 1996, persistent mild iritis of the left eye with exacerbations of pain in the left eye were reported during a routine evaluation. On 15 August 1996, the subject was evaluated for her paresthesias. She developed paresthesias of the left arm in April 1996. Following evaluation, it was noted that the cause of acute iritis and peripheral neuropathy was obscure. Sarcoidosis was a tempting explanation at the time. In June 1996, the subject developed left eye pain. Medications taken at the time included ALDACTONE, MINOCIN and PRED FORTE. An evaluation revealed recurrent iritis of unclear etiology. The subject was examined on 25 July 1996 after being found to have unveitis in her left eye. She had been treated with topical steroids with resolution of symptoms over an approximate one week period. Recently the subject noted an increasingly uncomfortable feeling in her left eye. She was in for retinal evaluation. Clinical impression was isolated anterior nongranulomatous uveitis of the left eye with no evidence of posterior segment inflammatory disease. Fortunately, there was no evidence of any reaction in either vitreous, retina or choroid. There was no evidence of pars plantis with scleral depression to the pars plana area. There was no evidence of retinal vaculitis seen. There were no focal or diffuse areas of choroiditis. The subject was seen in routine exam on 29 August 1996 for left eye pain. Iritis was noted in both eyes at the time of exam. PRED FORTE was prescribed for treatment. The subject was examined on 12 March 1997 due to intermittently painful axillary lymph nodes. There has been no known etiology for this symptom following extensive workup. There was no evidence of lymphadenopathy at this visit. Following examination, the clinical impression was paresthesias compatible with uveitis which she developed as a teenager. In April of 1997, the subject underwent an evaluation to rule out sarcoidosis. Medical problems documented as that time included peripheral neuropathy, uveitis, some chronic pain and mild alopecia. The subject also noted bilateral parotid pain. Examination and bronchoscopy revealed sarcoidosis. On 23 July 1997, the subject underwent evaluation due to recurrent bilateral iritis. Notes taken were that the subject developed paresthesias of her left hand and left leg in April of 1996. Follow-up information was received on 10 April 2009 via a claimant interview. It was reported that this subject received two doses of LYMERIX vaccine. One in 1995 and one in 1996. Events reported by the subject which she felt were attributable to LYMERIX vaccine included numbness and tingling in the hands, legs and feet (onset 1 or 2 days after 2nd dose), sharp pains that shoot up the legs, feet, arms and hands (onset 1 month after 2nd dose), eye pain and light sensitivity (onset 2 or 3 days after 2nd dose), gastro-intestinal problems (2 or 3 months after 2nd dose), parotid pain (onset within a few months of 2nd dose) and joint pain (onset 1 month after 2nd dose). Additionally, the subject reported developing shingles in mid 2000 along with pain. Weight loss began in 2008 and intermittent fatigue within a few months after 2nd dose. Insomnia was also reported. These events were indicated as unresolved. Medications taken at the time of interview were IMITREX, ESTRADIOL and ophthalmic steroids.