Re: Washington Redskins Cheerleader Suffers Dystonia From Flu Shot

Out of interest - because I work neurology - I googled "movement disorders" and my results were very real. I don't want to belittle such disorders, but I would like to find out more about this case, which appears atypical when compared to other dystonias. I have witnessed very convincing psychogenic seizures, so why not psychogenic dystonia - especially as the symptoms do not appear consistent? I'm not doubting the inherent suffering - I'm just curious!

Re: Washington Redskins Cheerleader Suffers Dystonia From Flu Shot

Just thought I'd post this here. The cheerleader was vaccinated with the seasonal flu vaccine whereas this article is about the H1N1 vaccine, but it seemed appropriate anyway.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33552662...-cold_and_flu/

"Side effects not always due to swine flu shot"

Re: Washington Redskins Cheerleader Suffers Dystonia From Flu Shot

There appears to be a number of doctors who have spoken out against this case, that this girl does not have dystonia but a psychogenic disorder. As one doctor put it "In other words - her symptoms are not neurological, they are psychological. This does not mean she has any insight or voluntary control over her symptoms - they are involuntary and "real" - just not neurological in origin. Symptoms such as this are not uncommon reactions to emotional stress in some individuals." Some notable doctors who have spoken out against this case: Dr. Stephen Grill from the Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Center of Maryland, the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, neuologists and more. You can read their findings here:

http://www.theness.com/neurologicablog/?p=1152
http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/20...lu_vaccine.php

"The movements and symptoms that Ms. Jennings displays on the public videos I have seen (linked to above) are not compatible with the diagnosis of dystonia, or any other movement disorder. Dystonia is one type of involuntary contraction of muscles. It can be reduced or exacerbated by certain movements or positions, and there are "task specific" dystonia, such as writer's cramp, that come out only with certain activity. Jennings does not display the type of movements that are consistent with dystonia. Her speech and movement are, however, very suggestive of a psychogenic disorder.

This also seems to be the consensus opinion of experts who have viewed this case. The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation had this to say about the case:

Because of the concern of individuals with dystonia as to whether or not to get a flu shot because of this reported case, we have sought the opinion of dystonia experts on this case. Based on the footage that has been shared with the public, it is their unanimous consensus that this case does not appear to be dystonia.

Since there has never been a validated case of dystonia resulting from a flu shot, the experts polled believe this case should not deter anyone from getting a flu shot. As with any medical procedure or treatment option, the DMRF encourages you to discuss the risks and benefits of the getting the flu vaccine with your doctor."

It seems anti-vax groups are using this woman as a platform for hysteria against the H1N1 shot and didn't do their background research.

Re: Washington Redskins Cheerleader Suffers Dystonia From Flu Shot

Well whatever it was, it's reversible. According to her recent update on her website, www.desireejennings.com she is doing a lot better.