Thursday, 05 November 2009
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A Response: Vaccines Do NOT Cause Dystonia
Awhile back ago "Inside Edition" ran a story concerning a woman named Desiree Jennings, who supposedly developed a case of dystonia after receiving a seasonal flu vaccine. [Healthkicker also posted a story about it here.] Despite the fact that there have been no cases linking dystonia to vaccines, "Inside Edition" ran the story without consulting any experts. When experts were consulted (such as Dr. Stephen Grill from the Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Center) we come to find that her symptoms are not those seen in dystonia; in fact, according to Dr. Grill, Ms. Jennings symptoms are more likely the result of a psychogenic movement disorder, something generally brought about by anxiety.
This is not the first expert to come out against Jennings previous diagnosis. Dr. Leigh Vinocur, speaking on the behalf of Neurology expert Dr. William Weiner, went on Fox News (I know, amazingly they're the only ones who consulted with an expert) to address the misinformation concerning Desiree's case. I made comments on healthkicker earlier in the week concerning Vinocur's statements.
Vinocur did a very good job stating that there is a minor risk when it comes to taking the vaccine but that risk is out weighed by the risk of possible flu complications, the worst of course being death which seasonal influenza accounts for 36,000 of every year in the US alone. To put that number in perspective that is approximately the same number of U.S. deaths due to car accidents (approx. 40,000) and more than double the amount of hand gun deaths during the US record high year (approx 14,000).
Neurologist Dr. Steven Novella wrote an excellent critique on Desiree's case and how the anti-vaccination community has already begun to take advantage of her.What do you think about vaccines and the possible side effects? Has this story scared you away from getting a vaccine this year?
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About the Author
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- From: Strangebrain@xanga
- Name: Nich
- About Me: I am a biology student currently living in Kalamazoo Mi. I have a number of interests including but not limited to different fields of biology, chemistry and physics, with a special interest in medicine. I love music and I'm a devout skeptic who contributes an occasional rant concerning various areas of psuedo-science, especially those related to the medical field as well as any other random thoughts made by a very Strange Brain.
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Comments (27)
There's a small risk in all vaccines, medications & treatments. Personally if it keeps me alive, I'm taking it. I'm NOT dismissing people who say vaccines made them sick(er), caused disorders or people died or anything like that. I KNOW it happens but I also know how diseases spead fast & can kill thousands of people from one carrier. The pros outweigh the cons to me in issues like this.
I dont think it's fair either that people attack vaccines on a few selected cases or put themselves & others in harms way. Agreed, you dont need EVERY shot out there but the basic ones you get in childhood (& the boosters) that prevent near erradicated diseases that are often misdiagnosed because the younger generations of doctors never see it or confuse the symptoms with other diseases, those you should get without question. When I was 13, I nearly died because I was misdiagnosed twice & it wasnt until an Indian-American doctor recognized what it was that I got the medicines. By then I was sick for almost 2 weeks, in contact with dozens of people (whom I had to call to get checked out) & I had high fevers coming & going. She told me that younger doctors tend to miss older diseases. It's nothing bad against them by saying that so dont think I'm attacking young doctors but it shows things are still out there & a simple shot can help you fight it off faster & easier if you, God Forbid, get sick or you may be lucky & not get it at all.
Long story short: I'm pro-vaccinations.
LOL. Sure. I'm anti-vax, anti-surgery, anti-pills, anti-FDA, anti-Big Pharma, anti-physician.
ROFL.
I have no problems with vaccinations. I'm not getting one for different reasons (I'm very, very, very broke D:), but I absolutely hate when people latch onto unfounded anti-vaccination rhetoric (vaccines cause autism! vaccines will kill you! vaccines are the government's way of injecting nanobots into you so that you can be under their control! LOOK AT ME AND MY TINFOIL HAT!). Fact checking is kind of important, people. Science is not that scary, I swear.
@salvatruca_stalking_havok13@xanga - Have you called your insurance? You can get them free or very low cost with them. If you dont have insurance, medical clinics or pharmacies give them at low cost too (& a majority of them accept insurance too!). I know every state/facility is different, but honestly, I havent seen a vaccine cost more than $50 without insurance. I know that's alot of money at the present time, so people (like me) save to get it. I've skipped my ritial smoothies before & after work for a week to get it.
And you're right, people dont fact check. That's one of the flaws of the media. Since the internet age, stories get around the globe faster than the speed of light & by the time the truth comes out, people are latching onto the wrong info.
Im so glad you wrote about this! That news story did freak me out a bit, however, years ago in nursing school we did a huge unit on parkinsons and dystonia and other movement disorders and hers was very odd to me. I now frequently have patients with movements disorders and I have never seen someone who could make the movements stop by walking backwards! These nervous systems disorders dont work like that. Regardless, I got my flu shot like I always do, I do have a day where I am real achey and feel horrible, eh I take some tylenol. And this year I got the H1N1 vaccine while many of my coworkers refused, we have patients coming in everyday with it, I dont want to catch that crap!
@Shinbi_Belldandy@xanga - Ah. I thought that not having insurance would screw me over indefinitely, but I never thought to see if I could get it from somewhere like a clinic for cheap. Thanks! I'll try and see.
I say...let the anti-vacination movement continue. When they fall ill to, and die from, all the illnesses that could have been prevented by simple vacines, it will leave more room for the rest of us. Yeah!
Stupidity....it's just another one of nature's "culling the herd" techniques.
Vaccines do carry risks. I was made ill by a vaccine in June and was told at first that my seizures and other problems are all psychogenic and dotors will say that til they come up with an actual reason as to why you have something.. Now tests are showing it is something and that something was caused by a vaccine.
Oh and I'm not anti vaccine or anti med or anything like that, but what I am saying is research the effects, weigh the pros and cons before you get it and figure it if you need it. Just research before you vaccineate. For some these vaccines can help, for otehrs it can't.
I'm not a fan of the flu vaccine... http://mskittycatty.xanga.com/714988815/the-flu-shot--the-swine-flu-shot-ingredients-and-side-effects/
Wow! So the question at the end of this was not put there by me, and I think it takes away from what I was saying. A better question (or questions) would be/are To what degree is the media responsible for providing factual information? And if the information is harmful are those media outlets liable? Obviously there is some contention with the later question bearing first amendment rights and all.
How about a question like, do you think it is responsible for media to accept so much advertising revenue from pharmaceutical companies and doesn't this practice inherently cause a bias? It's a fair question but nobody will answer it.
Well, if that girl has a "genetic defect" - we probably all do to some extend or another. My point is that vacciness, medication, and Western garbage drugs like Xanax, Prozac, and shit like that are like soma. They are "feel good" drugs that sound good on the surface, but are anything but "feel good."
Western medicine, that is orthodox medicine is so corrupted by Big Pharma who wants to cash in the money, they don't give a flying shit about our health.
Hell, even I may have a "genetic defect" to vaccines. After all, our genes are slightly different from each other. I disagree with vaccines, and to me, personally, it is another load of bullshit. Afterall, according to those who disagree with my most crucial argument: WHY DO WE HAVE AN IMMUNE SYSTEM - "because the immune system is not effective, or it is simply accidetally not active, or is lazy" is gay.
Fuck vaccines. I am not taking it. Try killing me, and I still won't get it. Not worth my two cents.
@L_O_R_D_X101@xanga - You said it.
Not sure on the effects but I was bacsically bullied into giving my kids the shot.. Told that my 1 year old who is having unexplained lung issuse could die from the flu. Anyhow there are risks to shots, all 4 of my kids got it.. All 4 are fine. :) thankgod. I would have never forgiven myself letting someone bully me like that. I know time for a new ped.
i get my flu vaccine every year hands down. BUT my maths tutor went to get his vaccination down and soon after he just collapsed and is now paralysed from the neck down in the intensive care unit... I dont know much about the case but all i know is that its been about a month and there is still no improvement.
try explaining that.
any btw.... its called a free world for a reason.
If you want it... get it! if you dont.. then dont fucking get it.... -.- geez
and if you are not sure... dont get it .... instead.. get a flu and feel crap for a week and watch ur friends who did get the shot walk around healthy and sniffle free...
I wasn't going to get one even before I heard about this case. Hearing about the case would not influence me, even if I had instead decided to get the vaccine before hearing about it.
I'm not influenced by one story alone, very often. And besides, when I learned about it I thought it was a little off, anyway. Now, I find out that I'm right and it was. :p
Although, that woman's condition is frightening and I can see how some people might have been scared away from at least the seasonal flu vaccine.
good helpful post.. :)
I would never in a million years think the risk of disease outweighs the risk of the vaccine! Just look at the treatment for any of the major diseases and survival rates first off. (the CDC has a morbidity report page) Then look at the VAERS database. NO WAY! This is why alzheimers and cancer rates are on a steady rise! The pharmies are playing down and dirty. Don't be a sheeple and fall for it as millions of others have and will. The fear they want to instill and their propaganda is brainwashing many!!!
@opster25@momaroo - wow. this shoyuld be illegal. coercing someone into medical treatment they don't want (that's exactly what I would have told the doctor too) I would report them personally to whatever board governs that Dr. in your state. (yes seriously) bullying is NOT the way to go about this and parents should have a choice. Not to mention be informed. How many times have they given you the vaccine inserts?
@earthymama@xanga - Well that is a new dr. At our other dr she was very nice and would let me delay his shots. Well when we got there I told them I did not want shots casue He has been sick and she bacailly got me to do thoes to. Poor baby got 5 shots. Then she got mad at me when I told her NO period to the MMR. I was in tears by the time that I left. I told my other ped I wanted to wait as long as possible to give my 4 year old her boosters after all she will be bacially 6 befor the school requires them, This ped was pissed and told me NO WAY. I said well she is not getting them today. I was upset and my kids are not getting shots there agian I know better. This ped in a nut case read my newest blog and you will see how may specialest this lady is sending my 4 kids who are homeschooled btw to. UGh. ss to vent.
@opster25@momaroo - I understand how tough it is. I am not willing to fight over this issue though with the pedi. they either support us or I'll find a new doctor. (though my kids are rarely sick anyway so we have no need for doctors much of the time!!) It really can take time to find just the right Dr. too but there are Dr's out there that agree that vaccinations are dangerous business! Stay strong and hold your ground!!! You have EVERY right to make whatever decision you want regarding your child's health. Includig delayed vaxing or no vaxing at all! You can also file an exemption with the health department (And one copy on file with your dr) in most states if you don't want your child vaccinated. Look into that! A good place to find info is at www.mothering.com
@earthymama@xanga - Yeah we are finding a new ped, my kids are not sick often ither and are homeschooled. Thanks.. The thing is the flu shots are not required ither.
@Titanic_Spaz@xanga - The problem is that there are people out there who can't take vaccines because they get seizures or are allergic to the ingredients, and every person who doesn't get a vaccine because they're listening to people who talk without fact-checking is not just risking their health and life, but the health and life of any person who wasn't vaccinated for a necessary reason.