Re: Reaction to Hepatitis B Vaccine

Posted By CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS on January 25, 1999 at 18:16:10:

In Reply to: Reaction to Hepatitis B Vaccine posted by Martha on January 24, 1999 at 14:55:08:






I've read recently about "possible" links between neurological disorders and the Hepatitis B Vaccine.  I've also read that nothing has been proven thus far.  I am undiagnosed with progressive muscle weakness, hyperreflexes, chronic constipation, bladder frequency & urgency, myoclonic jerks, profound fatigue, and intermittent episodes of tingling & blurry vision over the last 6 years.  Multiple tests have been run with no conclusive answers.  I did have the Hep B series six years ago also, and it was during that series that my problems gradually began.  It's an angle that has never been looked at, nor have I ever mentioned the Hep B shots to any of the physicians.  Is it something worth exploring?  Who would I see to begin that process?  Could the Hep B vaccine possibly have triggered something that was lying dormant until that time?  Thanks for your help!
Dear Martha:
Sorry to hear about your unexplained health problems.  I too have hear about a possible correlation with a reaction to Hepatitis B vaccinations.  I think this would be a low yield pursuit, but since you have no other diagnosis you might want to pursue it.  Since I have not examined you or seen any of your work-up thus far, it is hard for me to comment on either the vaccine reaction or possible other entities that might cause your problems.  One thing I might suggest is a work up for mitochondrial disorder.  Most of your symptoms we have seen with mitochondrial problems.  I would get on the internet and start exploring the Hepatitis B connection and see what others are finding and where they have gone for diagnosis.  As far as the mitochondrial angle, I would seek out a good neurologist who is familiar with this entity, several centers across the country have experts.  Here at the Cleveland Clinic, Scottish Rite in Atlanta, UCSD, Boston Children's etc.  Best of luck, sorry I couldn't help you more.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro[P] MD