Cowles v. Secretary of Health and Human Services

In the United States Court of Federal Claims

OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS

No. 16-1164V

Filed: January 3, 2023

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

MARTIN COWLES, * To Be Published

*

Petitioner, * Dismissal; Ruling on the Record;

v. * Influenza (“Flu”) Vaccine; FluMist;

* Vestibular Neuritis; Vestibular Migraine.

SECRETARY OF HEALTH *

AND HUMAN SERVICES, *

*

Respondent. *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Andrew Downing, Esq., Downing, Allison & Jorgenson, Phoenix, AZ, for petitioner.

Colleen Hartley, Esq., U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for respondent.

DECISION1

Roth, Special Master:

On September 20, 2016, Martin Cowles (“Mr. Cowles” or “petitioner”) filed a petition

for compensation pursuant to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.2 Petitioner

alleges that he received a live nasal influenza (“FluMist”) vaccination on October 17, 2013, and

thereafter suffered a “severe adverse reaction.”3 See Petition (“Pet.”), ECF No. 1. On December

16, 2019, petitioner filed a Motion for Ruling on the Record. ECF No. 65.

1

This Decision has been designated “to be published,” which means I am directing it to be posted on the Court of

Federal Claims’ website, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-347, 116 Stat. 2899,

2913 (codified as amended at 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2006)). This means the Decision will be available to anyone

with access to the internet. However, the parties may object to the Decision’s inclusion of certain kinds of

confidential information. Specifically, under Vaccine Rule 18(b), each party has fourteen days within which to

request redaction “of any information furnished by that party: (1) that is a trade secret or commercial or financial in

substance and is privileged or confidential; or (2) that includes medical files or similar files, the disclosure of which

would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy.” Vaccine Rule 18(b). Otherwise, the whole Decision

will be available to the public. Id.

2

National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of

citation, all “§” references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2012).

3

The petition describes petitioner’s alleged injury as an “adverse reaction” but does not specify a diagnosis. Rather,

the petition notes that petitioner suffered from episodes of dizziness and at one point received a diagnosis of

“possible viral labyrinthitis.” Pet. at 2. Petitioner’s medical records reflect that he was eventually diagnosed with

vestibular migraine. See Pet. Ex. 4 at 122. One of petitioner’s experts opined that he suffers from vestibular neuritis.

See Pet. Ex. 13, 69, 75.

Petitioner alleges that he suffered from vestibular neuritis as a result of the FluMist

vaccine. However, after careful review of the record, the evidence demonstrates that petitioner

suffers from vestibular migraines. Petitioner did not provide any support for vaccine-induced

vestibular migraines and therefore is unable to show that the FluMist vaccine caused his injury.

Thus, I find that petitioner has failed to carry his burden and the petition is accordingly

dismissed.

I. Procedural History

The petition was filed on September 20, 2016. Petition, ECF No. 1. Petitioner filed an

affidavit and medical records on September 27, 2016 and a Statement of Completion on October

18, 2016. Petitioner’s Exhibits (“Pet. Ex.”) 1-9, ECF No. 5; Statement of Completion, ECF No.

7. On February 2, 2017, respondent filed his Rule 4(c) Report, stating that this matter was not

appropriate for compensation. ECF No. 9. Petitioner filed a supplemental affidavit on February

6, 2017 as Pet. Ex. 10. ECF No. 10.

Petitioner filed an expert report and CV from his expert immunologist, Dr. Vincent

Tuohy, on May 15, 2017 and an expert report and CV from his expert otolaryngologist, Dr.

George Hicks. Pet. Ex. 11-12, ECF No. 14; Pet. Ex. 13-14, ECF No. 15. Petitioner filed

supporting medical literature from Dr. Hicks on July 26, 2017. Pet. Ex. 31-40, ECF No. 27; Pet.

Ex. 41-50, ECF No. 28; Pet. Ex. 51-60, ECF No. 29; Pet. Ex. 61-67, ECF No. 30. Petitioner filed

supporting medical literature from Dr. Tuohy on August 7, 2017. Pet. Ex. 15-24, ECF No. 31;

Pet. Ex. 25-30, ECF No. 32.

Respondent filed expert reports, CVs, and supporting medical literature from his expert

otorhinolaryngologist, Dr. Douglas Bigelow, and his expert immunologist, Dr. Kathleen Collins.

Resp. Ex. A, Tabs 1-8, Resp. Ex. B, ECF No. 36; Resp. Ex. C, Tabs 1-9, ECF No. 37; Resp. Ex.

C, Tabs 10-13, Resp. Ex. D, ECF No. 38.

The Rule 5 status conference was held on January 16, 2018. Scheduling Order, ECF No.

40. Petitioner was ordered to file supplemental expert reports addressing the issues raised by

respondent’s experts. Id. at 2.

Petitioner filed a supplemental report from Dr. Tuohy on March 19, 2018. Pet. Ex. 68,

ECF No. 41. An Order was issued on March 20, 2018, noting that the report from Dr. Tuohy did

not address the issues outlined by the Court’s previous order. Scheduling Order, ECF No. 42.

Petitioner was ordered to file a supplemental report from Dr. Tuohy and/or Dr. Hicks that was

responsive to the issues raised, or a status report advising that neither of his experts would be

answering the questions raised by the Court. Id. Petitioner filed a supplemental report from Dr.

Hicks on March 26, 2018. Pet. Ex. 69, ECF No. 43. Petitioner filed supporting medical literature

from Dr. Tuohy on July 9, 2018. Pet. Ex. 70-74, ECF No. 50.

On August 17, 2018, respondent filed supplemental reports and supporting medical

literature from Dr. Collins and Dr. Bigelow. Resp. Ex. E, Tab 1, ECF No. 51; Resp. Ex. F, Tabs

1-8, ECF No. 52. Respondent filed additional literature from Dr. Bigelow on August 20, 2018.

Resp. Ex. F, Tab 3, ECF No. 53. An Order was issued for petitioner to file either responsive

2

expert reports or a status report that the record was complete. Non-PDF Order, issued Aug. 20,

2018.

On November 9, 2018, petitioner filed a status report advising that he did not intend to

file any additional expert reports and requesting a status conference to discuss next steps in this

matter. ECF No. 54.

A status conference was held on March 21, 2019. Scheduling Order, ECF No. 55. During

the conference, petitioner’s counsel was asked to clarify an apparent conflict between

petitioner’s experts. Id. at 1. Petitioner’s immunologist, Dr. Tuohy opined that the FluMist

vaccine caused excessive inflammation in petitioner’s sinuses that overwhelmed his ability to

clear the flu virus and maintain equilibrium. Id. Petitioner’s frequent congestion and severe

attacks of vertigo could be explained as either a persistence of uncleared virus in the labyrinth

and/or post-viral induction of autoimmune sequelae. Id. Petitioner’s otolaryngologist, Dr. Hicks,

opined that petitioner has vestibular neuritis, an autoimmune inner ear disease. Id. Petitioner’s

counsel explained that vestibular neuritis is an autoimmune inner ear disease that does not result

in hearing loss and is different from Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease (“AEID”), which is

characterized by sensorineural hearing loss. Id. It is Dr. Hicks’s opinion that petitioner’s

vestibular neuritis was caused by reactivated HSV-1 and is submitted as an alternate theory, not

intended to replace or conflict with Dr. Tuohy’s theory that petitioner had an autoimmune

reaction to the flu vaccine. Id. Petitioner’s counsel agreed that his experts could better explain

their opinions. Id. Petitioner was to file a short supplemental report clarifying his experts’

opinions. He was also to address respondent’s expert, Dr. Bigelow’s opinion that petitioner had

vestibular testing that was unremarkable and did not support a diagnosis of vestibular neuritis. Id.

at 2.

Petitioner filed a status report on May 23, 2019, advising that he intended to file a

supplemental report from Dr. Hicks, a supplemental affidavit of petitioner, and a status report

confirming that a demand had been sent to respondent within 30 days. ECF No. 56. Petitioner

was ordered to file these items by June 24, 2019. Non-PDF Order, issued May 23, 2019.

Petitioner filed a supplemental report from Dr. Hicks on June 4, 2019. Pet. Ex. 75, ECF No. 57.

Petitioner failed to file his affidavit and status report on time and filed a Motion for Extension of

Time on June 27, 2019, which was granted. ECF No. 59, 60; Non-PDF Order, issued June 27,

2019. Petitioner filed a second supplemental affidavit on July 4, 2019. Pet. Ex. 76, ECF No. 61.

Respondent filed a status report on July 29, 2019, advising that he would continue to

defend this matter. ECF No. 62. The parties were ordered to file a joint status report indicating

whether they would proceed with a decision on the record or an entitlement hearing. Non-PDF

Order, issued July 30, 2019.

On September 16, 2019, in a joint status report, petitioner advised that he would like to

proceed with a ruling on the record. ECF No. 63. The filing of a Motion for Ruling on the

Record was ordered. Non-PDF Order, issued Sept. 16, 2019.

Petitioner filed a Motion for a Ruling on the Record on December 16, 2019. ECF No. 65.

After requesting and receiving three extensions of time, respondent filed a response to

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petitioner’s motion on April 20, 2020. Motion, ECF No. 66; Non-PDF Order, issued Feb. 12,

2020; Motion, ECF No. 67; Non-PDF Order, issued Mar. 27, 2020; Motion, ECF No. 68; Non-

PDF Order, issued Apr. 10, 2020; Response, ECF No. 69. After requesting and receiving an

extension of time, petitioner filed updated medical records and a reply on May 26, 2020. Motion,

ECF No. 70; Non-PDF Order, issued May 20, 2020; Pet. Ex. 77, ECF No. 71; Reply, ECF No.

72.

I have determined that the parties have had a full and fair opportunity to present their

cases and that it is appropriate to resolve this issue without a hearing. See Vaccine Rule 8(d);

Vaccine Rule 3(b)(2); Kreizenbeck v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 945 F.3d 1362, 1366

(Fed. Cir. 2020) (noting that “special masters must determine that the record is comprehensive

and fully developed before ruling on the record.”). Accordingly, this matter is now ripe for

resolution.

II. Medical Definitions and Literature

This diagram4 of the anatomy of the ear is provided to aid in visualizing what the

respective experts are describing in their opinions. The Eustachian tube5 on the bottom right-

hand side of the diagram is connected to the nose and the proposed vehicle through which it is

suggested that the intranasal vaccine entered the ear.

Vestibular neuritis is a common clinical syndrome characterized by the acute onset of

prolonged severe rotatory vertigo, which is associated with spontaneous nystagmus6, a reduced

4

Parts of the Ear, NAT’L INST. ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMM. DISORDERS (last updated Mar. 16, 2022),

https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/news/multimedia/medical-illustration-parts-ear.

5

The Eustachian or auditory tube is “a channel about 3.6 cm long, lined with mucous membrane, that establishes

communication between the tympanic cavity and the nasopharynx and serves to adjust the pressure of gas in the

cavity to the external pressure, as well as for mucociliary clearance of the middle ear. It comprises a bony part (pars

ossea), located in the temporal bone, and a cartilaginous part (pars cartilaginea), ending in the nasopharynx.”

Dorland’s Illustrated Medical Dictionary 1945. (33rd ed. 2019) [hereinafter “Dorland’s”].

6

Nystagmus is “an involuntary, rapid, rhythmic movement of the eyeball, which may be horizontal, vertical,

4

or absent caloric response in one ear, postural imbalance, and nausea and vomiting, without

cochlear or neurological findings. Pet. Ex. 65 at 2.7 If hearing is affected, then the condition is

known as labyrinthitis. Pet. Ex. 71 at 4.8 Vestibular neuritis is thought to result from a selective

inflammation of the vestibular nerve that is thought to be of a viral origin. Pet. Ex. 32 at 2; Resp.

Ex. C, Tab 1 at 2.9 However, the cause of vestibular neuritis is not completely understood, and

history of preceding illness is seen in less than one-half of patients. Resp. Ex. C, Tab 2 at 1.10

Patients with vestibular neuritis generally suffer severe symptoms for one to two days, followed

by a gradual diminution of symptoms and a return to equilibrium. Id. While acute symptoms

rarely last longer than a few days or weeks, residual imbalance and dizziness may persist for

months. Id. There are no specific diagnostic tests for vestibular neuritis; diagnosis is based on

clinical information. Id. at 3.

In the acute stage, vestibular neuritis may be treated with corticosteroids and antiviral

medications, though both treatment methods are controversial because it is unclear whether

corticosteroids support long-term recovery and the link between viral infection and vestibular

neuritis/labyrinthitis is still theoretical. Pet. Ex. 7111 at 4-5. However, vestibular rehabilitation

and exercises are believed to help hasten recovery and improve patient symptoms. Resp. Ex. C,

Tab 212 at 5.

“It is a well-established axiom of otolaryngology that when the inner ear is involved in

disease, cochlear and vestibular elements are compromised, which leads to hearing loss and

vertigo. [In vestibular neuritis] vertigo occurs in the absence of hearing loss, the inner ear is not

involved, and the lesion lies in the vestibular neurons central to the labyrinth.” Resp. Ex. C, Tab

413 at 2. Lesions are also limited to the vestibular nerve, with no involvement of the brain stem. It

is unclear whether the disease is caused by direct infection, localized thrombosis, or an

autoimmune reaction. Id. Association with preceding or concurrent infectious illnesses occur in

43-46% of cases. Id. at 3. Studies have demonstrated serological evidence of recent upper

respiratory tract infections including influenza A and B, adenovirus, herpes simplex virus,

cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr Virus, rubella virus, and parainfluenza virus. However, no virus

has been isolated from the blood, respiratory tract, or cerebral spinal fluid of patients. Id.

Vestibular migraine is a term used to describe episodic vertigo in patients with a history

of migraines or with other clinical features of migraines. Resp. Ex. C, Tab 5 at 1.14 Most patients

rotatory, or mixed, i.e., of two varieties.” Dorland’s 1289.

7

Avi Shupak et al., Vestibular Neuronitis in Pilots: Follow-up Results and Implications for Flight Safety, 113

LARYNGOSCOPE 316, 317 (2003), filed as “Pet. Ex. 65.”

8

Jason A. Beyea et al., Recent advances in viral inner ear disorders, 20 CURRENT OP. HEAD AND NECK SURGERY

404, 407-08 (2012), filed as “Pet. Ex. 71.”

9

Robert W. Baloh, Vestibular Neuritis, 348 NEW ENG. J. MED. 1027, 1028 (2003), filed as “Pet. Ex. 32” and “Resp.

Ex. C, Tab 1.”

10

Joseph Furman, Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis, UPTODATE (July 29, 2017, 11:33 AM),

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/vestibular-neuritis-and-labyrinthitis, filed as “Resp. Ex. C, Tab 2.”

11

Beyea et al., supra note 8.

12

Furman, supra note 10.

13

Jeffrey P. Staab, Chronic Subjective Dizziness, 18 CONTINUUM LIFELONG LEARNING NEUROLOGY 1118 (2012),

filed as “Resp. Ex. A, Tab 4.”

14

Carrie Elizabeth Robertson, Vestibular migraine, UPTODATE (July 29, 2017, 11:35 AM),

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/vestibular-migraine, filed as “Resp. Ex. C, Tab 5.”

5

with vestibular migraine will have migraine-type headache and vestibular symptoms without

other neurologic symptoms. Id. at 5. Features of vestibular migraine include episodes of true

vertigo (with symptoms of imbalance, visual vertigo, and dizziness or lightheadedness); though

vertigo may occur with or without typical migraine headache. Id. at 5. The length of an episode

of vestibular migraine varies, with most lasting several hours, though some last days, weeks, or

only a few minutes, and episodes can occur as often as several times a day or only a few times

per year. Id. at 5-6.

Cervicogenic vertigo is illusory motion deriving from a disturbance of the neck. Resp.

Ex. A, Tab 315 at 1. Vestibular testing serves to exclude inner ear disorders as an alternative

cause of vertigo. Imaging studies detect structural injury to the neck, which increases the

probability of cervicogenic vertigo, but does not establish cause. Id. at 4. Cervicogenic vertigo is

a significant source of dizziness but currently referred to as “out of fashion”. There is a lack of a

sensitive and specific testing to differentiate between the coincidence of neck injury and

dizziness, and situations where the neck injury is the actual cause of dizziness. Id.

Autoimmune inner ear disease “is an enigmatic disorder characterized by recurring

episodes of sudden or progressive sensorineural hearing loss.” Hearing loss may improve with

timely use of corticosteroids, but only half of those treated respond and, for many, the response

is lost over time. Pet. Ex. 2216 at 2. The role of the interleukin or IL-1 family as regulators of

inflammation and immunity in early immune system reactions to pathogens dictate many of the

later adaptive T-cell responses that perpetuate disease. However, the role of IL-1 beta, which

causes inflammation and promotes the development of autoimmune disease if not regulated, is

largely unknown in hearing disorders. Id.

Intranasal influenza vaccine, also referred to as live attenuated influenza vaccine

(“LAIV”), is a live, attenuated flu vaccine that provides active immunization for prevention of

influenza A and B viruses. It has been shown to be effective in healthy individuals 5-49 years old

and serves as an alternative to intramuscular vaccines. Pet. Ex. 19 17 at 7. LAIV is generally well-

tolerated, with adverse events being of mild to moderate severity with runny nose and nasal

congestion being the most common. LAIV does elicit mucosal IgA antibody responses and

strong cell-mediated immunity responses. Id. at 2.

Herpes Simplex Virus (“HSV-1”) causes vesicular lesions of the oral mucosa

commonly known as “cold sores” and clinical disease in other anatomical locations including the

genitalia, liver, lung, eye, and central nervous system. Once HSV-1 infection has occurred, it

lives in a latent state in nerve cell bodies in the ganglion and can reactivate. Frequency and

reactivation are determined by many factors including immunodeficiency and stress.

Precipitating factors for recurrence include exposure to sunlight, fever, menstruation, emotional

stress, and trauma to the primary area of infection, such as trigeminal nerve manipulation in oral

15

Timothy C. Hain, Cervicogenic causes of vertigo, 28 CURRENT OP. NEUROLOGY 69 (2015), filed as “Resp. Ex. A,

Tab 3.”

16

Shresh Pathak et al., IL-1β Is Overexpressed and Aberrantly Regulated in Corticosteroid Nonresponders with

Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease, 186 J. IMMUNOLOGY 1870 (2011), filed as “Pet. Ex. 22.”

17

Michelle W. McCarthy & Denise R. Kockler, Trivalent Intranasal Influenza Vaccine, Live, 38 ANNALS OF

PHARMACOTHERAPY 2086 (2004), filed as “Pet. Ex. 19.”

6

infection or dental extractions. Vaccination has not been reported to cause recurrences of HSV.

Resp. Ex. C at 4; Resp. Ex. C, Tab 9.18

Ramsey Hunt Syndrome is linked to reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus

(VZV)19, which resides within the geniculate ganglion with subsequent spread of the

inflammatory process to involve the eighth cranial nerve, resulting in auditory and vestibular

disorders. VZV is thought to become latent after primary varicella infection, and reactivation

likely precipitates Ramsey Hunt Syndrome. Antiviral therapy is usually prescribed. Resp. Ex. C

at 4; Resp. Ex C, Tab 10.20

III. Petitioner’s Medical History and Other Evidence21

A. Petitioner’s History Prior to the FluMist Vaccination

Petitioner was born on December 21, 1968. Pet. at 1; Pet. Ex. 4 at 2. His past medical

history which includes but is not limited to allergic rhinitis, migraines, seborrheic eczema,

irritable bowel syndrome, poor circulation, keratosis pillari, reactive “hypoglycaemia”, and

chronic fatigue syndrome. Pet. Ex. 4 at 53-54. He has a long history of upper respiratory

infections with cough, sinusitis and gastrointestinal issues with reflux and burning sensation

forwhich he takes Omeprazole. Id. at 1-23. He has had adverse reactions and sensitivity to a host

of medications. Id. at 2. He has documented reactive arthritis in his feet which developed seven

to ten days after a respiratory tract infection in 1998 with Erythromycin-induced dyspepsia and

irritable bowel syndrome. Id. at 53, 56. He was and continues to be treated for benign moles, skin

tags, cysts, and various skin conditions.22 Id. at 59, 60, 64, 66, 77, 84, 86. His family history

includes migraines and mild arthritis in his mother and insulin dependent diabetes mellitus in his

father. Id. at 53. He was involved a motor vehicle accident in 2000 and a motorcycle accident in

2004 in which he sustained left clavicle fracture requiring open reduction and bone graft. Id. at 5,

68-76. An April 16, 2014 record marks in error several diagnoses made in 1998 which include

chronic fatigue syndrome, depressive disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome. How or why these

diagnoses were determined to be in error is unclear. Id. at 25. The diagnoses of these conditions

are contained in various unrelated specialist letters, including but not limited to Dr. Shattles, a

rheumatologist who examined him in January 2000 for episodic flares of painful joints following

18

Robin S. Klein, Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of herpes simplex virus type 1 infection; UPTODATE (Aug.

5, 2017, 7:49 PM), https://www.uptodate.com/, filed as “Resp. Ex. C, Tab 9.”

19

Varicella zoster virus, or human herpesvirus 3, is the etiologic agent of chickenpox and herpes zoster. Dorland’s

843. In comparison, HSV-1 is another name for human herpesvirus 1, which is the etiologic agent of herpes simplex.

Id. 842.

20

Mary A. Albrecht, Clinical manifestations of varicella-zoster virus infection: Herpes zoster, UPTODATE (Aug. 5,

2017, 9:23 PM), https://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-herpes-

zoster, filed as “Resp. Ex. C, Tab 10.”

21

Petitioner received most of his medical care in the United Kingdom and the majority of the records provided

consist of reports exchanged between his medical providers rather than actual examination records. Most of

petitioner’s medical care appears to have been provided by physicians connected to his employment as a pilot. The

records filed indicate that when approval could not be secured through his employment for a specialist, private

insurance would then be used. The record also includes letters and certificates related to his ability to work/fly.

22

Petitioner consistently presented for dermatological care for skin issues as reflected throughout his medical

records. See generally Pet. Ex. 4.

7

upper respiratory infections and again in June 2000 when he consulted Dr. Forsyth for ongoing

gastrointestinal issues. Id. at 53-55, 56.

Though no medical records were filed for the following visits, petitioner affirmed that he

presented to his primary care physician (“PCP”) on December 12, 2005 for head congestion and

ear pain from a cold or sinus infection. Pet. Ex. 10 at 1; Pet. Ex. 76 at 1. He further affirmed that

he returned to his PCP on July 7, 2006 with similar complaints and “a couple of episodes of mild

dizziness.” Id. He was referred to an ENT. Id. Petitioner affirmed that he did not use the term

“vertigo,” because as a pilot, the term “vertigo…implies a significant condition with symptoms

of the room spinning, nausea or vomiting, and other symptoms that I did not have.” Id. Had he

been experiencing “true vertigo,” he would not have been able to fly. Id.

On July 25, 2006, Dr. Warrington, the ENT documented petitioner’s visit in a letter to his

PCP. Pet. Ex. 4 at 78. Dr. Warrington wrote that petitioner had three episodes of vertigo this

year. The first occurred in January and lasted for about ten hours, the second occurred “a few

months later” and lasted for about ten hours, and the third occurred in July 2006 and lasted for

thirty-six hours. Id. Petitioner described the vertigo as “a sensation of spinning associated with

nausea and it happens on moving.” Id. Dr. Warrington wrote, “It does not appear as if the vertigo

is strictly positional although at the onset of the latest episode the vertigo first occurred when the

patient got up from having been sitting in a chair.” Id. There was no hearing loss, tinnitus, or

sensation of fullness in the ears and no other relevant symptoms of note; Dr. Warrington’s

assessment was “central vertigo which is partially compensated.” Id. Dr. Warrington wrote that

further investigation was needed and recommended an ENG (electronystagmography), the

location of which would depend on petitioner’s insurance coverage. Id. at 79. Dr. Warrington

assured petitioner that there did not “appear to be anything sinister behind his episodes of vertigo

and that it is unlikely that the vertigo shall ever seriously interfere with his ability to fly.” Id. Dr.

Warrington closed his letter to the PCP advising that he would be in touch after the ENG. Id. No

record of an ENG being performed was filed and it is unknown if this testing was performed.

Petitioner developed severe back pain with left side sciatica in 2009 which affected his

ability to work. Physical therapy provided little relief and he reported having to give up playing

sports due to his symptoms. Pet. Ex. 4 at 15-21, 87. An MRI showed a minor disc bulge at

L5/S1, and conservative treatment was expected to resolve the issue. Id. at 90. An epidural was

done February 5, 2010. Id. at 95. However, petitioner returned to orthopedics in May 2010 with

recurrence of significant pain and sciatic symptoms. Another epidural was scheduled and done

on May 21, 2010. Id. at 92, 96. Petitioner returned in June 2010 with ongoing pain. Another MRI

was ordered. Id. at 97. At a July 2010 visit his MRI results were discussed which included his

disc protrusion to be slightly bigger with some compression on the nerve root. An L5/S1

discectomy was discussed. Id. at 98-99, 102-03. Petitioner underwent left L5/S1 lumbar

decompression on September 10, 2010. Id. at 104-05.

On August 2, 2010, petitioner was prescribed 10 mg Amitriptyline tablets to be taken

each night. Pet. Ex. 4 at 32.23

23

Amitriptyline is used to treat nerve pain, migraine attacks, and depression. Petitioner was prescribed Amitriptyline

in 2015 to treat his vertigo. Pet. Ex. 4 at 33.

8

Petitioner presented on December 20, 2011 for “several issues,” reporting that he “had flu

jab, then had uris sxs, back and forth from sinuses to chest and back, pounding HAs on descent,

pain behind eyes, cough x 6/52, feeling wheezy and sl SOB; smoked many years ago-very lightly

and not for years, hx of lingering coughs, used INH (inhaler) recently w/ some improvement,

thinks he has inflammation rather than infxn, no fever”. Pet. Ex. 4 at 21. The diagnosis was

sinusitis. Id. The “Plan” included “rx and incr fluid…; (employer letter given) and if 8 days w/o

work, to ring fore Med3 – leave msg for me…Letter to Patients to Unknown…Letter Marked in

Error: Wrong data entered (This item was never saved to the patient record)”. Id. The error in the

record appears to have been referring to the content of the “Letter to Patients to Unknown” not

the record of his symptoms and diagnosis as evidenced by petitioner return to the doctor on

December 28, 2011. “…still having sinus sxs – HA worse over the past few days, cough has

improved; taking Sudafed…has not returned to work, has leave from 1.1.12; first missed day

19.12.11…advised sxs may linger for weeks, but if ongoing beyond, pt may wish referral on his

private insurance to ENT.” Pet. Ex. 4 at 21.

The next medical record was for a visit to his PCP on August 12, 2013, reporting

swelling in the submental24 area and pain over the right eye. He was diagnosed with

lymphadenopathy. Pet. Ex. 4 at 23, 104-05.

At the time petitioner received the allegedly causal vaccination, he was employed as a

pilot for EasyJet. Pet. Ex. 4 at 109; Pet. Ex. 1 at 1.

B. Petitioner’s History Following the FluMist Vaccination

Petitioner received a FluMist vaccination on October 17, 2013 at a Walgreens pharmacy

in the United States. Pet. Ex. 2 at 3. Shortly thereafter, he “flew back to England in connection

with [his] job as a pilot for EasyJet.” Pet. Ex. 1 at 1. According to petitioner, he began to

experience dizziness and nausea “[w]ithin days of returning home.” Id. He recalled that the first

episode of vertigo lasted “a little over a[n] hour” and he continued to have periods of dizziness

“[o]ver the next two days.” Id.

On October 22, 2013, petitioner presented to his PCP reporting a recent flu vaccine in the

USA and feeling unwell, with some flu like symptoms and feeling dizziness, but now improved

from how he felt a few days ago. Pet. Ex. 4 at 23. He returned to the PCP on October 30, 2013

with “History: issues with vertigo and nausea-worse with brisk movemetns (sic)- Plan: ?? viral

labyrnithis (sic)-…if bet5ter(sic) will need rtw cert before work on 3/11…” Id.

At a November 1, 2013 PCP visit, petitioner reported ongoing symptoms that were

“becoming a little worse” with more nausea. Pet. Ex. 4 at 23. He was diagnosed with

labyrinthitis, and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. He was prescribed betahistine25 and

prochlorperazine.26 Id.

24

The submental area is the area inferior to the chin. Dorland’s 1762.

25

Betahistine is “a histamine analogue used as a vasodilator to reduce the frequency of attacks of vertigo”.

Dorland’s 208.

26

Prochlorperazine is “a phenothiazine derivative used chiefly as an antiemetic.” Dorland’s 1497.

9

Petitioner’s next documented medical visit was three months later, on February 11, 2014.

Petitioner reported to the PCP that he was off work since October and needed a sick note from

November 4, 2013 to February 10, 2014. He was also requesting a back to work certificate from

today February 11, 2014. He reported that he “feels well, no dizziness, took medication for

dizziness only for few days, no headache or dizziness last time he had symptoms was 23/12, only

minor symptoms, feels well.” Pet. Ex. 4 at 23. He reported a cough for a month and requested an

x-ray which was normal and to be tested for STI. Id.

Petitioner presented to his PCP on April 11, 2014 and asked for a referral to an ENT. The

record reads “2 episodes of labyrthitis , cival aviation authruties have sus pended his

license , needs referral to ent consultant asking for aletter.” Pet. Ex. 4 at 24.

Petitioner was referred to Dr. Brookes, an otolaryngologist and surgeon who he presented

to on April 15, 2014. Petitioner was noted to be a 45-year-old pilot who “started with a sudden

onset of rotational vertigo some 3 days after flu vaccination in the States” in October 2013. He

was ill for about 4 weeks with persistent symptoms of rotational vertigo and vomiting.

Symptoms then eased and 2 months later were gone. Pet. Ex. 4 at 109. He was clear for a month

and returned to work at EasyJet. He then caught an upper respiratory tract infection (“URI”),

“following which he has had symptoms again, although intermittent and not as severe as when

they first appeared. He gets nausea and a sensation of movement without any rotational vertigo.”

Id. On examination, his eyes, ears, and throat appeared normal. He “had no obvious localising

signs in his central or peripheral nervous system.” A hearing test was normal. Id. Vestibular

testing was arranged with Dr. Low, an audiologist, and an MRI was ordered. Id. at 109; Pet. Ex.

5 at 22. Dr. Brookes wrote a letter to Dr. Low referring petitioner for rotational vertigo three

days after flu vaccination with symptoms for a month that eased off over a two-month period

without hearing change or tinnitus. He was symptom-free for two months, until he had an upper

respiratory tract infection. Dr. Brookes wondered if petitioner had an episode of viral

labyrinthitis with compensation followed by an episode of decompensation. Pet. Ex. 7 at 6.

Dr. Brookes also wrote a letter to petitioner’s PCP documenting petitioner’s history of

sudden onset of rotational vertigo three days after a flu vaccination, illness for four weeks,

symptoms easing over the next two months until they were gone and being clear of symptoms for

a month with return to work. He then suffered an upper respiratory infection and developed

symptoms again that were intermittent and not as severe. On examination, his ears, nose, and

throat were normal with no obvious signs of central or peripheral nervous system issues. A

hearing test was normal. Vestibular tests and an MRI were arranged. Pet. Ex. 7 at 8.

In a letter dated April 30, 2014, Dr. Brookes wrote that petitioner’s MRI was “completely

normal” and vestibular function testing implied hyperfunction, though he had not seen the report

yet. Pet. Ex. 7 at 1. Once he read the report, he would “get Sam Khemani’s opinion as this is

most unusual” and thought “it fit best with a post viral damage and decompensation.” Id.

Dr. Low authored a letter to Dr. Brookes dated May 1, 2014 with the results of

petitioner’s vestibular testing. Dr. Low detailed a history which included a flu vaccine after

which petitioner awoke at around 5 pm that afternoon with rotatory vertigo when he lifted his

head from the pillow. The vertigo was not in a single dimension but multi-planar and, across

10

time, simplified to just a horizontal plane with clear positional component. The initial event

continued for an hour before reducing and was then continuous for two days before periods of

relief. Dr. Low noted that saccadic eye movements27 were accurate but did show undershoot

dysmetria28 in both directions. Examination was normal or failed to reach clinical significance

but was observable and subjectively apparent. Pet. Ex. 7 at 12. The test results showed “no

evidence of viral damage” and Dr. Low was “hesitant to speculate at any diagnosis”. Pet. Ex. 5 at

14.

Dr. Brookes referred petitioner to Dr. Khemani, an otolaryngologist. Pet. Ex. 8 at 50.

Petitioner presented to Dr. Khemani on May 9, 2014. On examination, Dr. Khemani noted

evidence of a trigger points on the right side of petitioner’s neck which caused some discomfort,

normal tympanic membranes29, and “reasonably unremarkable” balance testing. Id. at 51. His

assessment was “an episode of viral neuronitis30 which recovered fully,” and “episodes of

decompensation which are likely to be triggered by a proprioceptive31 cause, particularly a

cervicogenic32 cause.” MRI of the cervical spine was ordered. Id. Cervical MRI conducted on

May 14, 2014 showed “minimal” disc bulge at the C3/4 level without impingement on the cord.

Id. at 34. There was no other abnormality in the cervical region or the upper thoracic spine. Id.

Petitioner was referred to a physical therapist with expertise in vestibular therapy. Id.

Petitioner returned to Dr. Khemani on June 9, 2014. Pet. Ex. 4 at 112. Dr. Khemani’s

diagnosis at that time was cervicogenic vertigo, noting that a thorough investigation had been

conducted with no abnormality found on vestibular testing. Cervical MRI showed evidence of a

C3/C4 disc bulge which was likely affecting his vestibulospinal reflex.33 Id. Petitioner admitted

to having symptoms of paresthesia34 in his fingertips from time to time, which would fit the

diagnosis. He was dependent on his eyesight to correct any balance disturbance which implies

either abnormality of the vestibular apparatus or proprioception. Testing of the vestibular

apparatus was normal, therefore proprioceptive abnormalities were likely the cause of his

symptoms. Id. He was attending physical therapy for his neck with some balance stabilizing

exercises that have helped. Id. The importance of physical therapy, postural exercises, and

massage were discussed and should continue. Id.

Mr. Cowles was evaluated by Dr. Rowlands, a psychiatrist, at the request of Dr. Khemani

on September 1, 2014. He reported a motorcycle accident in 2005 with a head injury and metal

plate insertion to his shoulder, neither affecting his ability to fly. He had back surgery in 2010.

Pet. Ex. 4 at 115. He lives in the US and works in the UK part time. He had vestibular difficulty

27

Saccadic movement refers to quick movement of the eye from one fixation point to another. Dorland’s 1167.

28

Ocular dysmetria is “an error in ocular fixation consisting of overshooting the desired focus followed by

oscillations of focus until fixation is achieved.” Dorland’s 572.

29

The tympanic membrane is “the obliquely placed, thin membranous partition between the external acoustic

meatus and the tympanic cavity.” Dorland’s 1112. The external acoustic meatus is the passage of the external ear

leading to the tympanic membrane and the tympanic cavity is the major portion of the middle ear. Id. at 1101, 304.

30

Neuritis and neuronitis are used interchangeably.

31

Proprioceptive means “capable of receiving stimuli originating in muscles, tendons, and other external tissues.”

Stedman’s Medical Dictionary 728100, accessed via westlaw.com (last visited 2022) [hereinafter “Stedman’s”].

32

The term “cervicogenic” refers to something derived from a disturbance of the neck. See Resp. Ex. A, Tab 3 at 1.

33

The vestibulospinal reflex refers to the influence of vestibular stimulation on body posture. Stedman’s 769750.

34

Paresthesia is an abnormal touch sensation, such as burning, prickling, or formication, often in the absence of an

external stimulus. Dorland’s 1362.

11

in October 2013 following a bout of flu. He awoke with the room “swimming” and “severe

vertigo and nausea”. He did not fly the following day and went to the doctor, who diagnosed

labyrinthitis. Id. He improved and his symptoms “reduced in intensity and duration.” Id. He

needed to be symptom free for a month to have flying privileges. “In April of 2014 he had thirty

days without symptoms.” Id. His license was reissued, and he returned home to the US, but had a

further episode of dizziness and his license was withdrawn. Id. Petitioner reported “I feel woozy,

not quite with it.” Id. He described his symptoms as intermittent in duration and variable in

intensity, lasting from seconds to minutes. He was able to drive without difficulty and function

on a day-to-day basis. He reported being on six months of full pay but will have a small loss if

unable to fly beyond that time. Id. He was married but separated in 2012. Both he and his wife

have new partners; his is in Chicago. He looks after a number of properties in the US. Id. at 115-

16. He has had psychological stress with some of the unresolved separation issues and the

vestibular disorder, which has interfered with his ability to fly. Petitioner intends to emigrate to

the United States so psychological treatment would not be of benefit here. Mindful therapy could

be helpful to deal with his anxiety, but from a psychiatric perspective he “is fit to fly”. Id. at 116.

Dr. Khemani referred petitioner back to Dr. Low for repeat vestibular testing on

November 10, 2014. Pet. Ex. 5 at 10.

Petitioner presented with complaints of 3-4 months of gastrointestinal issues, worsening

reflux, heartburn, stomach pain, and loose bowels in November of 2014. He had taken

Omeprazole for a long time, which worked until now. He increased it and put himself on a

lactose-free diet that helped. He worked for an airline but was grounded due to dizzy spells.

Testing was ordered. Pet. Ex. 4 at 117. A colonoscopy was performed and was reassuring. Id. at

118, 120. He was referred to a dietician. Id. at 120.

In a letter to Dr. Khemani dated November 24, 2014, Dr. Low reported that petitioner had

returned reporting initial improvement with physical therapy but now feels his disorientation and

imbalance have worsened. “Apart from the initial event there has been no occasion of true

rotatory vertigo and no new symptoms have emerged.” Pet. Ex. 5 at 6. Bithermal caloric

irrigations35 had an identical value of asymmetry, “being insignificant at 11%”. Id. Dr. Low

noted an interesting change in vestibular sensitivity of 119.9° per second on the left, compared to

79.3° six months ago which was highly significant with hyperactivity of both vestibular organs.

“Clearly the clinical decision is yours, but I would suspect that this represents a vestibular

migraine. This would explain why the rehab has not proved successful and why there is no

experience of true rotary vertigo, but simply disequilibrium.” Pet. Ex. 5 at 6.

At petitioner’s return visit with Dr. Khemani on November 27, 2014, he was advised that

his recent testing “may be indicative of vestibular migraine.” Pet. Ex. 4 at 119. Repeat MRIs

showed no changes to the C3/C4 disc bulge and “no abnormality within the brain or inner ears.”

Id. Dr. Khemani recommended that petitioner continue with postural and positional exercises.

He referred petitioner to Dr. Bronstein, a leading expert in balance disorders. Dr. Khemani’s

diagnoses were probable vestibular migraine, cervicogenic cause of imbalance based on the

35

A bithermal caloric test is “a test of vestibular function in which each ear canal is alternately or simultaneously

irrigated with water at 7°C higher or lower than body temperature; the nystagmus produced may be monitored for

direction, amplitude, speed of the slow component, and duration.” Stedman’s 904140.

12

C3/C4 disc bulge, very minor anxiety overlay, no evidence of vestibular asymmetry on previous

testing, and normal MRI scan of internal acoustic inner ear and brain. Id. at 119.

In a letter dated December 8, 2014, Dr. Khemani wrote to Dr. Bronstein including his

diagnoses of probable migrainous vertigo, C3/C4 disc bulge on MRI of cervical spine, minor

anxiety overlay, and vestibular hypersensitivity in the left ear on caloric investigations. Pet. Ex. 4

at 121. He included a history of true rotatory vertigo two days after a flu vaccine that was multi-

planar in nature, not just in a horizontal plane, two days of symptoms that subsided somewhat,

formal vestibular testing with no significant vestibular asymmetry found, some hypersensitivity

in the left ear on warm caloric, and the remainder of both balance and vestibular investigation as

unremarkable. Id. His symptoms were more in keeping with disequilibrium. MRI of the internal

acoustic meati36 and brain were “entirely normal.” He had physical therapy and some vestibular

rehabilitation. Most symptoms resolved, but he had ongoing symptoms of disorientation. He is a

pilot and grounded because of his symptoms. Id. at 121. Repeat vestibular testing suggested

underlying vestibular migraine, though there is “very little in the way of migraine history other

than a family history on his maternal side.” Id. at 122.

Petitioner presented to Dr. Bronstein on February 5, 2015. Pet. Ex. 3 at 1; Pet Ex. 4 at

123.37 He reported receipt of a nasal flu vaccine in the US and two to three days later, after a

long flight, he developed intense vertigo and vomiting described as a tumbling sensation with

things moving in a vertical plane. He went back to bed and focused on the ceiling to suppress

the vertigo. The following day, he still felt dizzy, but the strong rotational component had largely

subsided. Since then, he has had some component of disorientation and occasional nausea. He

can feel strange and slightly clumsy with certain head movements, particularly in the vertical

plane. He had recovered 80 to 90% when compared to his acute vertigo. His current symptoms

were between 15 and 25% of the original sensation. Petitioner reported an increase in feelings of

disorientation or dizziness in elevators, in planes if they tilt, and in cars and trains somewhat. On

specific questioning, he denied formal migraines but described sinus-related headaches,

sometimes of only one orbit, and a family history of migraine in his mother. Id. Dr. Bronstein

ordered a video head impulse test (“vHIT”) which showed “abnormal responses from the left

posterior canal with a gain of 0.33.” Dr. Bronstein was “still a little suspicious about unexpected

findings in this test.” He also ordered cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (“cVEMP”)

tests, which were normal. Id. at 124.

Dr. Bronstein agreed with the possibility that migraines were a contributory factor but

saw “two parallel possible interpretation[s].” Pet. Ex. 3 at 2; Pet. Ex. 4 at 124. The first

interpretation was that petitioner “did have a vestibular neuritis at the very beginning of this

which has left residual symptoms perhaps not fully compensated because of the presence of

migraine.” Id. The sensitivity to movements of the head in the vertical plane and his description

of his initial vertigo as a vertical tumbling of images, in addition to the finding of an abnormal

left posterior canal by vHIT, made Dr. Bronstein wonder if petitioner had an inferior vestibular

nerve neuritis, though the cVEMP did not confirm this, it “remains a possibility.” Id. The second

interpretation was that “it is all due to a form of migraine with a vestibular flavor.” Id. Dr.

36

The internal acoustic meatus is the passage in the petrous portion of the temporal bone through which the facial

and vestibulocochlear nerves and the labyrinthine artery pass. Dorland’s 1101.

37

Dr. Bronstein’s records are also filed as Pet. Ex. 5.

13

Bronstein prescribed 10 mg of Amitriptyline for two weeks and instructed petitioner to increase

to 20-25 mg if there was no improvement after that period. Id.

Petitioner returned to Dr. Khemani on February 9, 2015 who noted Dr. Bronstein’s

findings and agreed with his assessment. Pet. Ex. 8 at 14. Petitioner was to continue with

vestibular rehabilitation exercises and return in three months. Id.

A March 6, 2015 entry notes that petitioner is taking Amitriptyline for migrainous vertigo

and Omeprazole for gastrointestinal issues. Pet. Ex. 4 at 28.

At a return visit to Dr. Bronstein on June 11, 2015, he reported 60 to 70% improvement

in his symptoms with Amitriptyline and advised that his symptoms “are a bit more prolonged” if

he stops or forgets to take Amitriptyline for a day. His current symptoms include “a form of

slight spatial disorientation or motion sickness type sensation.” Pet. Ex. 3 at 3; Pet Ex. 4 at 128.

Petitioner’s examination and six canal vHIT test were normal, though Dr. Bronstein noted that

the test was new and his “confidence in [his] interpretation was limited.” Id. Dr. Bronstein noted

a recent migraine episode with left retro-orbital pain. His assessment was that petitioner was

doing well but needed “further specific rehabilitation” and referred him to a balance and hearing

therapist. Id. He also suggested that petitioner take 25 mg of Amitriptyline due to his recent

migraine, but instructed petitioner to eventually taper over four to six weeks when his symptoms

eventually improve. Id. Dr. Bronstein wrote to the hearing and balance therapist requesting

assistance with balance therapy. Pet. Ex. 4 at 130.

Petitioner returned to Dr. Khemani on June 15, 2015, reporting that he felt 75% better

overall taking 25 mg of Amitriptyline each night, but stopping the medication causes a “very

severe recurrence of his symptoms.” Pet. Ex. 4 at 131; Pet. Ex. 8 at 9. Dr. Khemani documented

petitioner’s complaint of neck discomfort and that he regularly performed neck exercises because

“[E]xcessive rotation of his neck can trigger some of his vestibular symptoms”. Id. Dr. Khemani

agreed with Dr. Bronstein that individuals with vestibular migraines sometimes do not fully

recover, and he may need to seek out an alternative career if his symptoms are still present after

six months. Pet. Ex. 8 at 9. Dr. Khemani’s diagnosis was migrainous vertigo and C3/C4 disc

bulge possibly contributing to vestibular symptoms. Id. at 6.

On June 23, 2015, petitioner was noted to have vestibular issues that were ongoing and

has impacted his flying. He was taking Amitriptyline and Omeprazole. Pet. Ex. 4 at 28.

Petitioner attended one appointment every day for a week with balance and hearing

specialist Jane McCall in September 2015. Pet. Ex. 6. Ms. McCall reported some good

improvement with sitting in darkness to looking at complex moving patterns and with standing to

jogging with some reduction of symptoms. Id. She emphasized the importance of general

wellness, fitness, and relaxation as well as the need for additional sessions. Id.

Petitioner returned to Dr. Khemani for a follow-up on September 17, 2015. Pet. Ex. 4 at

133; Pet. Ex. 8 at 4. He continued to report 60-70% improvement with Amitriptyline and was

undergoing intensive therapy at Imperial College. Id. Dr. Khemani suggested that petitioner take

an additional three months off work, stating that the vestibular therapy he was receiving is

14

“really the last ditch attempt” to improve his symptoms, and it is unlikely he could return to his

current career as a pilot if the therapy did not further improve his symptoms. Id.

Petitioner sought chiropractic care on November 17, 2015, reporting dizzy spells after a

nasal flu vaccination two years prior, digestive issues for several years, and lethargy. He reported

receiving physical therapy but had not tried chiropractic or acupuncture yet. He stayed active but

had general muscle tightness in his shoulders and upper back, occasional headaches when his

neck is bad, and left pinky finger tingling. Pet. Ex. 77 at 28. Petitioner completed a form on that

date listing “vestibular migraines/dizzy spells” as his major complaint. Id. at 31. Petitioner

continued with chiropractic treatment, mostly for digestive issues, and nutritional guidance

through April 2016. See Pet. Ex. 77.

The last record filed was a follow-up with Dr. Khemani on January 13, 2016. Pet. Ex. 8 at

2. Dr. Khemani documented that since September he had undergone a course of vestibular

therapy with no substantial improvement in symptoms and was still experiencing three to four

episodes of dizziness per week, even while taking Amitriptyline. Id. Dr. Khemani wrote because

petitioner had failed to improve at this point, he “very much doubt[s] whether there will be any

ongoing improvement in the future” and that there is “no further role for any other treatments

other than ongoing use of Amitriptyline.” Id. He explained, “we have exhausted all medical

options that I am of aware of” and recommended that petitioner continue taking Amitriptyline at

the current dose until his symptoms stabilize, at which point it may be possible to wean off. Id.

C. Petitioner’s Affidavits

1. Petitioner’s First Affidavit

In his first affidavit dated September 16, 2016, petitioner affirmed receipt of a nasal

influenza vaccine in the United States on October 17, 2013 and returning to England and his job

as a pilot for EasyJet shortly thereafter. Pet. Ex. 1 at 1. Several days later he experienced

dizziness and nausea, with “the first episode of vertigo lasting a little over an hour.” He had

periods of dizziness and relief over the next two days. Pet. Ex. 1 at 1.

According to petitioner, he visited his primary care physician on October 22, 2013. His

dizziness had lessened, but he was still experiencing flu-like symptoms and wanted to “insure

that [his] condition had resolved” and he was fit to work as a pilot. Pet. Ex. 1 at 1. He returned to

his doctor on October 30, 2013 due to continued episodes of dizziness and nausea, was

diagnosed with viral labyrinthitis and pronounced unfit for work. Id.

Petitioner affirmed that he began to “feel a little better” by early February 2014 and

returned to his primary care physician on February 11, 2014 to request clearance to return to

work. Pet. Ex. 1 at 2. He received a letter from the Civil Aviation Authority on February 20,

2014 for his return to work but was required to complete several weeks of training due to the

passage of time. Id. However, before he was fully reinstated, the dizziness and nausea returned,

“although the symptoms were not quite as severe as before,” and his flying license was

suspended again. Id.

15

Petitioner then saw Dr. Brookes on April 15, 2014, who arranged vestibular testing and

an MRI and referred him to Dr. Khemani. Pet. Ex. 1 at 2. Dr. Khemani informed him he had “an

episode of viral neuritis but then [] suffered episodes of relapse.” Id.

Petitioner recalled that an MRI of the spine on May 19, 2014 showed a bulge at the

C3/C4 level that could be the possible cause of his condition and was diagnosed with

cervicogenic vertigo. Pet. Ex. 1 at 2.

Petitioner affirmed that by the end of 2014, his treating physicians described his

condition as vestibular migraines. Pet. Ex. 1 at 2. Dr. Bronstein told him he had vestibular

neuritis shortly after his receipt of the flu vaccine with residual symptoms that were being

masked by migraines. Dr. Bronstein further advised that he had inferior vestibular nerve neuritis

referred to as a “migraine with a vestibular flavor” which was the cause of his symptoms. Id.

Petitioner began taking Amitriptyline and attending physical therapy. Id.

According to petitioner the Amitriptyline did not help, and he was experiencing three to

four episodes of dizziness per week in January 2016. Pet. Ex. 1 at 2. Dr. Khemani advised him

that all medical options for treatment were exhausted and instructed him to wean off

Amitriptyline over the next two months. Id. When he relocated to the United States, he began

seeing a chiropractor/homeopathic doctor, but has yet to see improvements with his dizziness. Id.

at 3. He also made changes to his lifestyle via diet and exercise but continues to experience

symptoms. Id.

2. Petitioner’s Second Affidavit

Petitioner filed a second affidavit dated February 3, 2017, to address the 2006 medical

records. Pet. Ex. 10 at 1. Petitioner affirmed seeing his primary care physician on July 7, 2006

for head congestion and ear pain and having similar complaints on December 12, 2005.38 Id. He

was referred to an ENT, who he saw on July 20, 2006. Id. However, he “never would have told

[the ENT] that I was experiencing ‘vertigo’” because, as a pilot, the term implies “a significant

condition with symptoms of room spinning, nausea or vomiting” with other symptoms which he

did not have, and had he experienced “true ‘vertigo’” he would not have been able to fly. Id. The

ENT told him there was nothing wrong medically. After his head cold or sinus infection cleared

up, he did not experience any further dizziness or sinus congestion and did not return to his

primary care physician for additional care. Id.

Petitioner denied any symptoms of vertigo or mild dizziness between 2006 and 2013. The

first symptoms of vertigo he experienced were in the days following his receipt of the nasal flu

vaccine on October 17, 2013. Pet. Ex. 10 at 2.

3. Petitioner’s Third Affidavit

In a third affidavit dated July 2, 2019, petitioner affirmed that he “had never experienced

vertigo prior to my flu vaccination in 2013.” Pet. Ex. 76 at 1. He restated the events regarding his

ENT visit in July 2006 as described in his second affidavit. Id.

38

There were no records filed for these visits.

16

According to petitioner after he received the vaccination on October 17, 2013, he began

experiencing “extreme dizziness, nausea, and [his] first bout of vertigo, which lasted over an

hour.” Pet. Ex. 76 at 2. By October 20, 2013, he was diagnosed with possible viral labyrinthitis

and unable to fly. Id.

Petitioner affirmed that he had some improvement in his symptoms but denied his

condition resolved by December 2013. Pet. Ex. 76 at 2. He affirmed that his vertigo was less

intense and frequent by February 2014, but he was at risk of his pilot’s license being revoked

after two months of being unable to fly and returned to his PCP on February 11, 2014 to obtain

clearance to fly, although he was not symptom-free. Id. He affirmed that it would take an

estimated 4-6 weeks to retrain and recertify and believed that would be “ample time to make a

full recovery.” Id. He admitted in hindsight, this was “a little presumptuous and even desperate”

but he wanted to alleviate his employer’s concerns about his flight medical status. Id.

However, while attending ground school and before being fully reinstated to fly, his

symptoms then worsened. Pet. Ex. 76 at 2. He affirmed that he had “the same symptoms of

nausea and dizziness, with a feeling of spinning that I had experienced a few days after my flu

shot,” which had “never fully gone away.” Id. He informed his physician and the Civil Aviation

Authority of his condition, and his license was suspended again for medical reasons.39 Id.

IV. The Experts

A. Petitioner’s Experts

1. Dr. Vincent Tuohy

i. Qualifications

Dr. Tuohy obtained a Ph.D. in pathology from SUNY Downstate Medical Center and

completed a postdoctoral fellowship in autoimmunity at Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center. He is

not a medical doctor. Pet. Ex. 12 at 1. Since 1989, Dr. Tuohy has served in various roles at the

Cleveland Clinic, first as staff in the immunology department and, since 2004, as a professor in

the department of molecular medicine. Id. at 2. Petitioner filed two expert reports from his expert

immunologist, Dr. Vincent Tuohy. See Pet. Ex. 11, 68.

ii. Dr. Tuohy’s First Report

In Dr. Tuohy’s opinion, petitioner’s condition “occurred as an unfortunate autoimmune

sequelae” of receipt of the FluMist vaccine. Pet. Ex. 11 at 4.

Dr. Tuohy explained that FluMist vaccine contains live attenuated viruses while

intramuscular flu vaccine contains inactivated viruses, and it is well known that the “…broadest

immunity to influenza occurs following infection with live virus.” Pet. Ex. 11 at 2.

39

Petitioner failed to mention that he suffered from an upper respiratory infection prior to his symptoms returning.

See Pet. Ex. 4 at 109.

17

According to Dr. Tuohy, the FluMist vaccine provides cross-protective immunity

mediated by B cells and CD8+ T cells, with the T cells primed to epitopes of proteins common to

many flu strains. Pet. Ex. 11 at 2. FluMist vaccine “is known to induce substantial mucosal IgA

antibody responses and strong T cell-mediated immunity.” Id. Dr. Tuohy’s theory includes a

vaccine induced reactivation of latent memory T cells and B cells specific for cross-protective

antigens that were initially primed either from a prior wild type flu virus or prior influenza

vaccinations. Id. at 2-3. The 2–3-day onset of vertigo and nausea in this case is consistent with

re-exposure rather than introduction of a new antigen priming response which typically takes 5

days to manifest and longer to reach complete maturity. Memory response causes rapid clonal

expansion of previously primed lymphocytes and “produce[s] a rapid and vigorous production of

inflammatory cytokines in the nasal mucosa.” Id. at 3. Dr. Tuohy proposes that following receipt

of the intranasal flu vaccine, inflammatory cytokines produced by the adaptive memory and

innate immune responses (which typically involves the production of IL-1 beta, tumor necrosis

factor alpha (TNFα), and a variety of chemokines for priming naive T cells and B cells against

newly engaged influenza antigens found in the multivalent FluMist inoculum) rapidly entered

blood circulation through the mucosal blood vessels of the nasal sinuses. Due to the close

anatomic proximity of the nasal sinuses and inner ear tissues, the “potent cytokine gradient that

developed would preferentially affect nearby tissues” and likely induce inner ear damage due to

the “extremely high sensitivity” of the inner ear tissues to the effects of inflammatory cytokines.

Id. at 3.

Dr. Tuohy relied on the Rose study to demonstrate the relationship between acute viral

infection and subsequent development of immune responsiveness to self-proteins and

autoimmune disease by showing that local production of TNFα and IL-1beta promote the

induction of post-infectious autoimmune disease. Pet. Ex. 11 at 4; Pet. Ex. 25.40 Viral infection

provides the new priming of an infiltrating immune system to locally expressed self-proteins

resulting in a new round of disease symptoms, and the new repertoire of primed T cells and B

cells induces another wave of inflammation that facilitates recognition of additional self-proteins

and clonal expansion. Pet. Ex. 11 at 4. This relapsing, remitting pattern keeps repeating leading

to chronicity as a result of cascading wave F neoautoreactivity and incomplete recoveries and is

referred to as “epitope spreading.” Id.

Dr. Tuohy presented two possible explanations for the persistence of petitioner’s

symptoms: “inadequate viral clearance and repeated reactivation of influenza or other latent

viruses capable of maintaining periodic surges in immune-induced cytokine production,” or

“induction of postinfectious autoimmune inner ear disease leading to exacerbating-remitting

symptoms and eventual progression to chronicity.” Pet. Ex. 11 at 3. In Dr. Tuohy’s opinion, the

“autoimmune-based explanation seems more reasonable” because the periodic viral reactivation

explanation involves individuals who are immunosuppressed or immunocompromised, which

petitioner is not. Id.

iii. Dr. Tuohy’s Second Report

40

Noel R. Rose et al., Autoimmune myocarditis: a paradigm of post-infection autoimmune disease, 9 IMMUNOLOGY

TODAY 117 (1988), filed as “Pet. Ex. 25.”

18

In a second report, Dr. Tuohy took issue with petitioner’s 2006 medical record. Dr.

Tuohy disagreed that petitioner had three separate occasions of vertigo because if he had it

would have affected his ability to fly. He added that Dr. Warrington assured petitioner there was

nothing “sinister” involved in his complaints, and it was unlikely that his symptoms would “ever

seriously interfere with his ability to fly.” Pet. Ex. 68 at 1. Dr. Tuohy argued that several errors

existed in petitioner’s medical records including diagnoses of chronic fatigue syndrome,

depressive disorder, and irritable bowel syndrome that were either redacted or “marked in error.”

The 2006 vertigo diagnosis was another misdiagnosis. Id. Dr. Tuohy proposed that mild

dizziness due to sinus congestion is qualitatively distinguishable from the more serious vertigo

symptoms of room-spinning and nausea that petitioner experienced a few days after receiving the

FluMist vaccine. Id. Dr. Tuohy maintained that petitioner suffered true vertigo symptoms after

the FluMist vaccine with recurring symptoms thereafter that cannot be mistaken for “benign

dizziness associated with [petitioner’s] complaints of repeated colds, ear pain, and sinus

congestion in 2006.” Id.

Further, Dr. Tuohy claimed that Dr. Khemani misdiagnosed petitioner with migrainous

vertigo 14 months after the FluMist vaccination, based on “very little in the way of migraine

history” to support this diagnosis. Pet. Ex. 68 at 2. It is “untenable that respondents have

embraced the validity of a migrainous vertigo diagnosis to explain [petitioner’s] current

condition.” Id.

Dr. Tuohy again opined that the debilitating series of repeated vertigo symptoms

experienced by petitioner are directly related to the live multivalent nasal vaccination which

induced severe acute inflammation of the nasal sinuses. Pet. Ex. 68 at 2. More specifically,

[t]he live virus and the storm-like release of inflammatory cytokines as a result of the

memory immune response to previously encountered antigens provided by the

multivalent design of the FluMist vaccine likely entered the local, collateral, and systemic

circulation, and found their way to the labyrinth easily irritating the delicate tissues of

this inner ear organ.

Pet. Ex. 68 at 2. Dr. Tuohy relied on Djupesland which showed that nasal drug delivery can lead

to a breach in the blood brain barrier. Id.; Pet. Ex. 70.41, 42 Additionally, experimental viral

labyrinthitis studies in animals have shown a correlation between viral labyrinthine infection and

histopathologic and electrophysiologic changes, demonstrating the selective vulnerability of the

inner ear cells to different viruses. Pet. Ex. 68 at 2. His own work has shown that an immune

response to a cochlear-specific protein could cause damage to the cochlea, with hearing loss

similar to what occurs in autoimmune sensorineural hearing loss, and he has “every reason to

believe” that post-viral autoimmune-induced tissue damage could chronically affect the labyrinth

41

Per Gisle Djupesland, Nasal drug delivery devices: characteristics and performance in a clinical perspective – a

review, 3 DRUG DELIVERY & TRANSLATIONAL RES. 42 (2012), filed as “Pet. Ex. 70.”

42

Djupesland discussed in detail the factors of nasal anatomy, physiology, and aerodynamics that severely limit the

potential for effective drug and vaccine delivery due to the nasal mucosal and filtration system. Further, substances

absorbed from the nasal cavity are more likely to drain via veins that travel to the sinus cavernous, where the venous

blood comes in contact with the walls of the carotid artery and will be outside the blood-brain barrier. Pet. Ex. 70 at

1, 4.

19

and occur following nasal vaccination with live virus.43 Id. Petitioner’s history of “severe

lingering upper respiratory infections and frequent symptoms of nasal congestion” made it likely

that the introduction of a live virus intranasally provided an excessive inflammatory condition

that overwhelmed his ability to clear the virus. Id. Whether the mechanism for petitioner’s

chronic vertigo was viral persistence in the labyrinth or post-viral autoimmune sequelae, the

acute onset and chronic nature of his symptoms are “clearly related” to the nasal vaccination

with live virus. Pet. Ex. 68 at 2.

Dr. Tuohy agreed with Dr. Brookes that petitioner suffered post-viral labyrinthitis in

2014. He disagreed that petitioner had “non-existent migraine headaches” that caused chronic

vertigo symptoms or that the treatment with corticosteroids was unsuccessful against his

autoimmune-related vertigo. Pet. Ex. 68 at 2.

Dr Tuohy concluded that petitioner had an acute onset of true vertigo two to three days

after the FluMist vaccine which was directly related to the nasal vaccine and the chronicity of

petitioner’s vertigo symptoms was due to “persistence of virus in the labyrinth and/or post-viral

autoimmune sequelae.” Pet. Ex. 68 at 3.

2. Dr. George Hicks

i. Qualifications

Petitioner filed three expert reports from his expert otolaryngologist, Dr. George Hicks.

See Pet. Ex. 13, 69, 75. Dr. Hicks obtained his medical degree from St. Louis University School

of Medicine. Pet. Ex. 14 at 1. He completed a general surgery residency at U.S. Public Health

Service Hospital, an otolaryngology residency at Indiana University School of Medicine, and a

preceptorship in neurotology at Wright Institute of Otology. Id. He is board certified in head and

neck surgery by the American Board of Otolaryngology. Id. From 1996 to 2014, Dr. Hicks was

the president of the Midwest Ear Institute. Id. Since 2014, he has served as an otologist and

neurotologist at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Indianapolis. Id.

ii. Dr. Hicks’s First Report

In Dr. Hicks’s opinion, petitioner suffered from vestibular neuritis, commonly due to

viral infection such as influenza or latent herpes simplex virus-1 (“HSV-1”) within the vestibular

ganglion. Pet. Ex. 13 at 5. The diagnosis of and treatment for vestibular neuritis is a “diagnostic

and therapeutic challenge” requiring a specialist with advanced training and interest in hearing

and balance disorders. The petitioner was not seen by such a specialist until he was evaluated by

Dr. Bronstein a year and a half after his symptoms began. Petitioner’s medical record is therefore

“bloated with a multitude of contradictions, reversals, and improvisational diagnoses, and

erroneous statements”, which reflect an inadequate understanding of vestibular disorders. Id. at

5-6, 19.

43

Dr. Tuohy’s work involves murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and human multiple

sclerosis (MS). See Pet. Ex. 27.

20

According to Dr. Hicks, it is well-established that the inner ear can be selectively

damaged by viruses, such as mumps, rubeola, herpes simplex, and influenza. Pet. Ex. 13 at 15.

He agreed with Dr. Tuohy that the presence of memory cells from past vaccinations combined

with the live attenuated FluMist vaccine could overwhelm and dismantle the balance between the

level of attenuation and the level of immunogenicity, explaining petitioner’s quick onset of

symptoms within a few days of vaccination. Id. at 9.

Dr. Hicks deferred to Dr. Tuohy for the immunological explanation for how FluMist can

cause vestibular neuritis, noting that damage to the cochlea and vestibule has been demonstrated

following intranasal vaccine with influenza B viruses in ferrets. Pet. Ex. 13 at 15 (citing Pet. Ex.

4544). Dr. Hicks also submitted an alternative explanation for petitioner’s vestibular neuritis

which involves the herpes group of viruses (HSV-1), well-known to remain latent in the ganglion

cells after primary infection waiting for reactivation because the body cannot clear them. Pet. Ex.

13 at 15.

Dr. Hicks submitted two pathways that exist which “more likely led to petitioner’s

disease”: 1) the intranasal vaccine initiated both a humeral and vigorous cellular response in

pathologic ratios superimposed on a pre-existing HSV-1 memory cell population, prior influenza

exposure, or both; 2) the intranasal vaccine resulted in a fulminant infection which compromised

the immune system and reactivated latent HSV-1. Pet. Ex. 13 at 16. Dr. Hicks submitted that the

FluMist virus was absorbed by the nasal membranes, which are rich in blood vessels, leading to

rapid spread to the inner ear via branches of the maxillary artery and anterior vestibular artery.

Either way, the intranasal vaccine reactivated latent HSV-1 in the ear with spread to the

vestibular ganglion due to inflammatory response or marked stress response in the vestibular

ganglion as a result of co-infection. Id.

According to Dr. Hicks, petitioner was in “excellent health” and as a pilot, had “exquisite

spatial orientation,” more so than the average person. He had no prior adverse effects from

previous flu vaccinations with inactivated virus. Pet. Ex. 13 at 19. Petitioner received the live

attenuated intranasal vaccine on October 17, 2013, and within a few days manifested mild

symptoms which preceded the more classic signs and symptoms of vestibular neuritis, including

vertigo, vomiting, nausea, and imbalance. Id.

In summary, the live attenuated nasal vaccine received by petitioner caused a stronger,

more vigorous immune response than an intramuscular flu vaccine, which was then enhanced by

a memory cell population from prior infection with HSV-1, prior influenza vaccines as suggested

by Dr. Tuohy, or both. This triggered inflammation within the vestibular system resulting in a

stress response. The stress response reactivated latent HSV-1 within the vestibular ganglion,

spreading centrally and peripherally, causing damage to the vestibular system. The other

biologically plausible explanation was provided by Dr. Tuohy. Either explanation adequately

explains why the FluMist is responsible for petitioner’s vestibular complaints and resulting

damage. Pet. Ex. 13 at 19.

iii. Dr. Hicks’s Second Report

44

Kyle E. Rarey et al., Inner Ear Changes in the Ferret Model for Reye’s Syndrome, 5 AM. J. OTOLARYNGOLOGY

191 (1984), filed as “Pet. Ex. 45.”

21

In his second report, Dr. Hicks addressed the opinions of respondent’s experts, Drs.

Collins and Bigelow while maintaining his opinion that petitioner suffered from vestibular

neuritis with sudden onset of vertigo, nausea, vomiting, disequilibrium, imbalance, and visual

difficulties, with no associated hearing loss. Pet. Ex. 69 at 1. Dr. Hicks disagreed that petitioner’s

vestibular issues were caused by migraines or that he responded to migraine medication. Pet. Ex.

69 at 1.

Dr. Hicks disagreed that petitioner had labyrinthitis because labyrinthitis includes hearing

loss, which petitioner did not have. Pet. Ex. 69 at 1. He claimed that Dr. Collins confused

vestibular neuritis with Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease (“AIED”) which is characterized by

vestibular symptoms and sensorineural hearing loss which petitioner did not have. Further, Dr.

Collins discussed varicella zoster virus (“VZV”) and Ramsay Hunt Syndrome45, which is

irrelevant to his discussion of HSV-1 because petitioner does not have Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome.

Id. Still further, Dr. Collins’s discussion of Meniere’s disease was inapplicable because

Meniere’s disease involves vestibular and auditory symptoms and petitioner did not have

auditory symptoms. Id.

Dr. Hicks defended his theory of HSV-1 reactivation from the FluMist vaccine from Dr.

Collins’s opinion that no proof exists of HSV-1 reactivation and the literature relied on “do[es]

not shed light on whether herpes virus infection causes vestibular neuritis.” Pet. Ex. 69 at 5. In

response, Dr. Hicks submitted that reactivation of latent HSV-1 can occur from “relatively

innocuous genotoxic stresses,” such as sunlight, fever, common cold, and physical or emotional

distress which leads to tolerable symptoms, but when reactivation is in the inner ear, it leads to

“debilitating symptoms.” Pet. Ex. 69 at 5. The literature he submitted reported three patients with

chronic recurrent vestibular neuritis who had evidence of inflammation in the temporal bone

postmortem, even though they did not have vertigo at the time of death. Id. (citing Pet. Ex. 5046).

This is because when HSV-1 is reactivated, the inflammation/swelling of the superior vestibular

and facial nerves which are located in narrow, long, bony channels, causes the symptoms

experienced in both vestibular neuritis and Bell’s palsy. Pet. Ex. 69 at 6. In its acute onset stage,

vestibular neuritis is treated with corticosteroids, not antivirals, which target the inflammatory

response of the vestibular nerve. Dr. Hicks agreed that there are no antiviral treatments for latent

HSV-1. Id. However, he postured even without “direct proof”, vestibular neuritis has an

incidence of 3.5 per 100,000 and is the second most common cause of vertigo, with reactivation

of latent HSV-1 believed to be the most likely cause due to its presence in 60-90% of the world

population and detected in the DNA and RNA in human vestibular ganglion.47 Id. He added that

the inner ear is inviolate, it cannot be biopsied, “needled”, or have tissue samples extracted

during ongoing active inner ear disease without causing permanent loss of hearing and balance

function. Pet. Ex. 69 at 6-7. He added that there is not always a scientific explanation for certain

diseases and symptoms. Id.

45

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome is “herpes zoster involving the facial and vestibulocochlear nerves, often associated with

transitory ipsilateral facial paralysis and herpetic vesicles of the external ear or tympanic membrane; there may or

may not be tinnitus, vertigo, and hearing disorders.” Dorland’s 1815.

46

Akira Ishiyama et al., Histopathology of Idiopathic Chronic Recurrent Vertigo, 106 LARYNGOSCOPE 1340 (1996),

filed as “Pet. Ex. 35.”

47

Dr. Hicks did not provide a citation in his report for either of these statistics.

22

In response to Dr. Bigelow’s opinion that the FluMist vaccine could not access the inner

ear or reactivate HSV-1, Dr. Hicks argued that intranasal application of medications enter

systemic circulation via a rich vascular plexus in the nasal mucosa, passing the blood brain

barrier into the central nervous system. Pet. Ex. 69 at 2, 8. The membranes of the nose, sinuses,

meatuses, septum, and the highly vascularized nasal turbinates are supplied by branches of the

ophthalmic, maxillary, and superior branch of the facial arteries, which enables bypassing of the

blood brain barrier to the central nervous system and the brain. Id. at 8. This is desirable for

drugs intended for local action and systemic absorption like vaccines. Id. It is therefore, “not

unreasonable” that the FluMist vaccine traveled from the nasopharynx up the Eustachian tube to

the middle ear, then passed into the inner ear via the round or oval windows and caused a stress

response that reactivated latent HSV-1 in the geniculate and vestibular ganglion. Id. at 8-9.

Dr. Hicks further disagreed that petitioner would have experienced hearing loss or

tinnitus due to damage caused to the cochlea if there was reactivated HSV-1 in the inner ear

arguing just as reactivated HSV-1 can cause sensorineural hearing loss in the cochlea without

vestibular symptoms, it can also cause vestibular symptoms without hearing loss or tinnitus. Pet.

Ex. 69 at 9.

Dr. Hicks acknowledged that petitioner could have suffered from an ear infection from

the spread of a viral infection in the middle ear during his upper respiratory infection, but his

medical records do not show any ear examination until six months after vaccination and

petitioner never mentioned otologic symptoms. Pet. Ex. 69 at 9. Therefore, the FluMist vaccine

was the “precipitating factor which reactivated HSV-1 with subsequent vestibular symptoms.”

Id.

Further, Dr. Hicks submitted that vestibular neuritis should initially be treated with

steroids to reduce the inflammatory response within the vestibular nerve and vestibular

suppressants to control nausea and vomiting. It is “axiomatic” that vestibular suppressants should

not be given past the first week of acute symptoms because they may “compromise/decrease the

central nervous system’s ability to adjust, compensate, and heal the vestibular injury.” Pet. Ex.

69 at 9. Petitioner received no medical treatment for the first two weeks after onset of his

symptoms and was then prescribed twice the normal dose of Betahistamine and Prochlorperazine

for one month. Id. at 10. The use of these medications most likely reduced petitioner’s symptoms

temporarily but interfered with long-term resolution and recovery of his central nervous system.

This explains the vestibular testing results, which Dr. Bigelow claimed showed no evidence of

vestibular dysfunction. It also explains why physical therapy did not resolve petitioner’s

symptoms, the subsequent exacerbations, and the persistence of petitioner’s balance problems.

Id. at 9-10.

Dr. Hicks agreed migraine is a possible diagnosis and could have contributed to

petitioner’s symptoms, but in his opinion, petitioner’s treating physicians accepted migraine as

“a diagnosis of convenience” without any proof. Pet. Ex. 69 at 10. Further, other than

Amitriptyline which was “ineffective”, no alternative medications, dietary measures, or a

neurology consultation were considered to treat petitioner’s migraines. Id.

23

Dr. Hicks disagreed that Greco concluded that HSV-1 infection “is the most likely cause

of vestibular neuritis, not the flu virus” arguing that FluMist acts as “stress” causing HSV-1

reactivation. Pet. Ex. 38.48 Dr. Hicks opined that Greco supports his opinions that “HSV-1 has

been detected…in human vestibular ganglion”; that latent HSV-1 in the geniculate and vestibular

ganglions can spread; and that “the lesion lies in the vestibular nerve, specifically the superior

vestibular nerve, without auditory or neurologic findings”. Pet. Ex. 69 at 11. Further, Greco

notes the similarity between vestibular neuritis and Bell’s palsy, as both nerves are confined in

bony channels and both have HSV-1 etiology. Greco also states vestibular suppressants should

only be used during the acute phase so as not to impede central vestibular compensation. Id.

Dr. Hicks disagreed that petitioner’s symptoms were triggered by an upper respiratory

infection 4-5 months after vaccination, stating that is “ignoring the obvious initial precipitating

factor and timeline involved.” Pet. Ex. 69 at 11. Dr. Hicks conceded he had never seen any case

of dizziness or migraine associated with intranasal vaccination, but believed petitioner

experienced “unanticipated sequelae” from the FluMist with systemic spread. Id.

Dr. Hicks maintained that the medical records demonstrate the vaccine “was not only a

‘but for’ cause of the injury, but a substantial factor in precipitating” petitioner’s vestibular

neuritis, an inner ear disease without hearing loss. Pet. Ex. 69 at 12. He added that expert

opinions can be based on circumstantial evidence rather than peer-reviewed scientific literature

to prove causation, and the instant matter provides a link between the vaccine and inner ear

symptoms, “a sequence hitherto unproven in medicine.” Id. Dr. Hicks then restated his theory

and opinions in this case as detailed in his first report. Id. at 13-18.

iv. Dr. Hicks’s Third Report

In his third report, Dr. Hicks explained that his and Dr. Tuohy’s theories coexist. Pet. Ex.

75 at 2. Dr. Tuohy’s theory involves FluMist as the “trigger” of an autoimmune reaction, leading

to a stress response that, as explained by Dr. Hicks, can reactivate latent HSV-1 in the geniculate

and vestibular ganglion causing an inflammatory response of the superior vestibular nerve

leading to petitioner’s symptoms. Id. Vestibular neuritis is “an inner ear disorder reflecting

inflammation of the vestibular nerve of the inner ear and its connection to the brain,” which

could be caused by a “continuum of the seamless cascade of events initiated by the intranasal

vaccination as identified by Dr. Tuohy.” Id. There is “no clear boundary” between the vaccine

and petitioner’s symptoms. Even if respondent’s experts’ opinions are accepted and petitioner’s

symptoms are determined to be related to migraines, “trigger identification is the mainstay of

migraine treatment,” and the vaccine is the only possible trigger in this case. Id.

Dr. Hicks disagreed that petitioner’s vestibular testing was unremarkable or unsupportive

of vestibular neuritis because the testing was not reliable. Pet. Ex. 75 at 2. He noted that the

testing included a head impulse test that was within normal limits without Frenzel lenses, a video

head impulse test (“vHIT”) which showed “abnormal response from the left posterior canal”, and

a cVEMP test which was normal. Id. But that Dr. Bronstein was “a little suspicious about the

unexpected findings” of the cVEMP test and even though the six canal vHIT test was normal,

48

A. Greco et al., Is Vestibular Neuritis an Immune Related Vestibular Neuropathy Inducing Vertigo?, J.

IMMUNOLOGY RES. (2014), filed as “Pet. Ex. 38” and “Resp. Ex. C, Tab 4.”

24

Dr. Bronstein commented that it was “a new test and confidence in my interpretation was

limited.” Id. Dr. Hicks added that other vestibular tests had variable results and posturography

testing, recommended twice, was not performed and could have identified deficiency in the

vestibular system or if malingering was a factor. Id.

Dr. Hicks further disagreed with Dr. Bigelow that if flu vaccine passed the blood brain

barrier there would have been symptoms of viral encephalitis, because there are other

mechanisms for viral dissemination to the inner ear that do not involve encephalitis. Pet. Ex. 75

at 3. He highlighted references relied on by Dr. Bigelow that document peripheral injury without

cochlear hearing loss despite his assertion that the virus could not enter the inner ear without

hearing loss or tinnitus. Id. (referencing Resp. Ex. F, Tab 549, Tab 650, and Tab 751).

Dr. Hicks restated his opinion that petitioner’s delayed treatment during the acute stage of

injury could have interfered with normal compensation. Pet. Ex. 75 at 3. Conceding that some

patients never fully recover from vestibular neuritis, Dr. Hicks maintained that the etiology here

is “quite clear”: petitioner’s initial vestibular neuritis never completely resolved, and his

recurring symptoms are due to “uncompensated vestibular neuritis on the ipsilateral side.” Id. at

4.

Dr. Hicks agreed that petitioner’s medical records lack detailed medical history and

physical information but claimed that Dr. Bigelow relied on the records to “validate his diagnosis

of vestibular migraine” even though Dr. Bronstein’s record mentions that “vestibular neuritis [is]

not fully compensated” and “presence of migraine.” Pet. Ex. 75 at 4. Dr. Hicks maintained that

the prescribed medication for migraine was ineffective. Id. Further, petitioner was initially

diagnosed with labyrinthitis. No physical examination was done until May 9, 2014 after his

vestibular neuritis had “fully resolved”, and then he was diagnosed with cervicogenic dizziness.

Pet. Ex. 75 at 4. In November 2014, after an audiologist suggested possible vestibular migraines,

Dr. Khemani “adopted” the diagnosis, which was “solidified” by the time petitioner presented to

Dr. Bronstein in early 2015. Id.

In Dr. Hicks’s opinion, the FluMist played a role in petitioner’s “cascade of events.” Pet.

Ex. 75 at 4. Vestibular migraine is “a symptom complex with no test, no clear evidence-based

establishing mechanism, and no clear diagnostic findings which distinguishes it from recurrent,

uncompensated vestibular neuritis.” Id. Petitioner did not have any of the common symptoms of

migraine and did not experience any dizziness between 2006 and 2013 until he received the

FluMist. Id. The family history of migraine attributed to petitioner’s mother shows “no

documentation whether this was a ‘self or medical’ diagnosis.” Id. Finally, there is no evidence

in the record that identifies any migraine triggers or avoidance, and it does not appear that

petitioner’s symptoms fulfill the International Headache Society’s diagnostic criteria for

migraine. Id. at 4, 6.

49

Harold F. Schuknecht & Ken Kitamura, Vestibular Neuritis, 90 ANNALS OTOLOGY, RHINOLOGY, &

LARYNGOLOGY 1 (1981), filed as “Resp. Ex. F, Tab 5.”

50

Robert. W Baloh et al., Vestibular neuritis: clinical-pathologic correlation, 114 OTOLARYNGOLOGY HEAD NECK

SURGERY 586 (1996), filed as “Resp. Ex. F, Tab 6.”

51

Céline Richard & Fred H. Linthicum Jr., Vestibular Neuritis: The Vertigo Disappears, the Histological Traces

Remain, 33 OTOLOGY & NEUROTOLOGY e59 (2012), filed as “Resp. Ex. F, Tab 7” and “Pet. Ex. 43.”

25

While conceding that diagnoses of vestibular neuritis and vestibular migraine are based

on clinical information with no diagnostic testing available, Dr. Hicks declared it “indisputable”

that petitioner’s symptoms were “initiated (vestibular neuritis) or exacerbated (vestibular

migraine)” by his vaccine in October 2013. Pet. Ex. 75 at 5. Dr. Tuohy’s and his opinions are

complementary in explaining the sequence of events and role of the vaccine as a but-for cause of

petitioner’s illness. Id.

Succinctly, Dr. Hicks claimed that the medical records show that migraine medication

was ineffective in treating petitioner’s symptoms. Pet. Ex. 75 at 6. Dr. Collins does “not grasp

the role of the ‘stressor’ effect of the reactivated latent HSV-1.” Id. Dr. Hicks’s references52

support the role of corticosteroids for anti-inflammatory effects and treatment in the acute stage

of vestibular neuritis, but petitioner never received corticosteroids or a thorough neurotologic

exam and was “mis-diagnosed” with labyrinthitis until May 2014. Id.; Pet. Ex. 36.53 Finally,

antivirals are ineffective for HSV-1 infections like Bell’s palsy, vestibular neuritis, and sudden

sensorineural hearing loss because when a vaccine is the trigger of the symptomatic

inflammatory response the response is to corticosteroids, not antivirals. Pet. Ex. 75 at 6.

According to Dr. Hicks, the diagnosis of vestibular neuritis depends on “an appropriate

history and physical,” which is not reflected in petitioner’s records. Clinical experience

demonstrates that early intervention such as the use of corticosteroids in the acute period is

beneficial. Pet. Ex. 75 at 7. Dr. Hicks clarified that his references to VZV reactivation, Ramsay-

Hunt Syndrome, and AIED were to emphasize that vestibular neuritis is not the same as any of

those conditions. Id.

Dr. Hicks argued that two references relied on by Dr. Collins “basically support” his

position that “vestibular neuritis is believed to be an acute viral or post-viral inflammatory

disorder of the vestibular portion of the eighth cranial nerve.” Pet. Ex. 75 at 7. Further, Dr.

Collins dismissed those portions of his references related to the additional susceptibility of the

superior vestibular nerve to inflammatory effects and discussion of the inflammatory response to

the stressor—in this case, the vaccine. Id. Dr. Hicks maintained that vestibular neuritis is “a

clinical problem with a clinical solution.” Id.

B. Respondent’s Experts

1. Dr. Douglas Bigelow

i. Qualifications

Respondent filed two expert reports from his expert otorhinolaryngologist, Dr. Douglas

Bigelow. See Resp. Ex. A, F. Dr. Bigelow has a medical degree from the University of

Minnesota School of Medicine. Resp. Ex. B at 1. He completed a residency in otolaryngology

and head and neck surgery at Washington University in St. Louis and received postgraduate

training in otology, neurotology, and cranial base surgery at Midwest Otologic Group and the

52

Dr. Hicks cited his references 13-16, but reference 13 was the only one of those referenced actually filed.

53

Michael Strupp et. al., Methylprednisolone, Valacyclovir, or the Combination for Vestibular Neuritis, 351 NEW

ENG. J. MED. 354 (2004), filed as “Pet. Ex. 36.”

26

University of Zurich. Id. He is board certified in otolaryngology and neurotology. Id. at 2. Since

2001, Dr. Bigelow has been an associate professor of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery

at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Id. Since 2002, he has served as the

director of the division of otology and neurotology at the University of Pennsylvania Medical

Center. Id.

ii. Dr. Bigelow’s First Report

Dr. Bigelow noted that the medical records “do not provide much detail or information,”

being mostly in the form of letters between petitioner’s physicians. Resp. Ex. A at 11. However,

while the cause of petitioner’s initial symptoms was unknown, petitioner clearly had an illness

with dizziness and nausea that began 2-3 days after his receipt of the flu vaccine. Id. at 14. There

was no mention of hearing problems or tinnitus at that time. Id. Dizziness and nausea without

hearing loss can have many etiologies, including inner ear problems, neurologic conditions,

cardiac conditions, psychiatric issues, and gastrointestinal problems, of which petitioner had a

long history. Id.

Dr. Bigelow pointed out that petitioner was given many possible diagnoses but never a

“single unifying diagnosis” throughout the duration of his illness. Resp. Ex. A at 14-15.

According to his records, petitioner recovered from his initial symptoms in December 2013. His

chronic and persistent symptoms began after an upper respiratory infection he developed

between February 11, 2014 when he presented to his PCP and April 11, 2014 when he saw Dr.

Brookes. Thereafter, the most referenced diagnosis was vestibular migraine. Id. at 15. The upper

respiratory infection in February 2014 precipitated the onset of chronic symptoms and is too

remote in time to be associated with the flu vaccine in October 2013. Petitioner had a well-

documented history of recurrent upper respiratory infections prior to his receipt of the subject

vaccine. Id. Further, his treating physicians in 2013 were not made aware of his history of

episodes of recurrent dizziness in 2006. Although petitioner denies that he had vertigo, his

records show very detailed episodes of dizziness in 2006, and it is unlikely that his physician

would fabricate such a detailed description of his symptoms. Id.

According to Dr. Bigelow, the literature relied on does not support Dr. Tuohy’s theory

that petitioner developed a persistent inner ear inflammatory disease due to “vaccine-induced

reactivation of latent memory T cells and B cells specific for cross-protective antigens” initially

primed through either prior infection with influenza or prior influenza vaccination. Resp. Ex. A

at 15. Carter54 reported that the incidence of solicited and non-solicited reactogenicity events

from live attenuated influenza vaccine appeared to be numerically lower after the second vaccine

dose in year 1 or after revaccination in year 2, than after the first vaccine dose in year 1, and ear

disorders and lower respiratory tract illnesses occurred in significantly fewer live attenuated

influenza vaccine recipients after the second dose. Id. Diez-Domingo reported that the rate of any

solicited adverse events was lower after the second vaccine dose than the first dose. These

studies “suggest that the risk of development of an adverse event in live human patients is less

with reactivation than with initial vaccination.” Id.; Resp. Ex. A, Tab 155 at 4.

54

Natalie J. Carter & Monique P. Curran, Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (FluMist®; Fluenz™), 71 DRUGS 1591

(2011), filed as “Pet. Ex. 20.”

55

Javier Diez-Domingo et al., Safety and tolerability of cell culture-derived and egg-derived trivalent influenza

27

Further, Dr. Bigelow argued, Dr. Tuohy’s theory is flawed because it does not fit the

anatomy of the ear. Although the nose and ear are both located in the head and within close

anatomic proximity, the blood supply to the inner ear is not connected to the nasal mucosa and

sinuses. Resp. Ex. A at 16. The labyrinthine artery provides the blood supply to the cochlea and

vestibular end organs in the inner ear. It is a branch of the anterior inferior cerebellar artery,

which supplies blood to part of the cerebellum, and originates from the basilar artery, which is

the main blood vessel forming posterior circulation for the brain. Id. The labyrinthine artery is

not connected to the nasal vasculature. Id. Therefore, if the influenza vaccine caused

inflammatory cytokines that circulated to the inner ear systemically via the labyrinthine artery,

petitioner would have been expected to have experienced hearing loss or tinnitus, because the

labyrinthine artery supplies blood to both the vestibular end organs and the cochlea. This would

have affected sensory systems of hearing and balance. Id. Petitioner had no hearing loss or

tinnitus. Id.

Further, Dr. Tuohy’s theory that the chronicity of petitioner’s symptoms was due to

induction of post-infectious autoimmune inner ear disease is also flawed, because if the flu

vaccine had caused a post-infectious inner ear disease, there would have been rapid onset of

bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. Resp. Ex. A at 16. Rather, petitioner’s chronic symptoms

were described as “intermittent disequilibrium,” with no hearing loss and normal audiogram, all

inconsistent with an autoimmune inner ear disease. Id.

Dr. Bigelow agreed that it is well-known that measles and mumps infections can be

associated with sensorineural hearing loss, but evidence is lacking that influenza vaccine can

cause inner ear disease. Resp. Ex. A at 16. The Rarey study relied on by Dr. Hicks does not

support this case. Id.; Pet. Ex. 45.56

Dr. Bigelow pointed to several problems with Dr. Hicks’s theory of HSV-1 reactivation.

Resp. Ex. A at 17. First, it is extremely unlikely that a vaccine would cause enough stress to

stimulate reactivation of latent HSV-1 causing secondary ear injury. No studies associating flu

vaccine or any other vaccine with reactivation of latent HSV-1 were cited. Id. Second, Dr. Hicks

proposed that the FluMist enters the rich vascular plexus of the nasal membranes, leading to

rapid hematogenous spread to the inner ear via branches of the maxillary artery. Id. Again, the

labyrinthine artery, which supplies blood to the inner ear, is not connected to the nasal

vasculature or the maxillary artery, so the FluMist would not enter the ear via the maxillary

artery. Id. Dr. Bigelow agreed that it was feasible that a virus could enter the inner ear circulation

via the anterior vestibular artery, which is a branch of the labyrinthine artery that provides

circulation to the cochlea. However, if this occurred and caused damage to the vestibular system,

it would also cause damage to the cochlea since the viral load would be distributed there as well.

Id. at 17-18. There is no evidence of damage to the cochlea in petitioner’s case. Id. at 18.

Dr. Bigelow also agreed that the Eustachian tube connects the nasopharynx to the middle

ear and could spread virus into the inner ear via the round or oval windows. Resp. Ex. A at 18.

However, if this occurred, petitioner would have been expected to have a middle ear infection or

vaccines in 3 to <18 year-old children and adolescents at risk of influenza-related complications, 49 INT’L J.

INFECTIOUS DISEASE 171 (2016), filed as “Resp. Ex. A, Tab 1.”

56

Rarey et al., supra note 44.

28

inflammation with symptoms of fluid in the ear and hearing loss. There were no such symptoms

reported, and this theory is therefore unsupported by the medical records. Id.

Further, if there was significant injury to the vestibular system from a virus or some other

source, vestibular testing would be abnormal. Petitioner’s vestibular testing in April 2014 and

again in November 2014 failed to identify significant vestibular asymmetry or pathology other

than Dr. Low’s conclusion that the testing was consistent with vestibular migraine. Resp. Ex. A

at 18.

Dr. Bigelow opined that no objective evidence exists to support Drs. Hicks and Tuohy’s

opinions that petitioner’s symptoms are related to inner ear vestibular pathology resulting from

the influenza vaccine. Three different treating physicians identified petitioner’s symptoms as

vestibular migraines. Resp. Ex. A at 18. Dr. Bigelow acknowledged that it is difficult to

differentiate inner ear disorders from migraine, but over time, migraine symptoms tend to be

more persistent, commonly associated with movement intolerance, and tend to have longer

periods of consistent symptoms. Id. Dr. Bronstein’s records reflect that petitioner suffered from

intermittent migrainous-type headaches with pain behind the eyes and left retro-orbital pain; he

had migraines in the past, a family history of migraines, and symptoms of motion and movement

intolerance, disequilibrium, and disorientation. Id. at 19. Dr. Bigelow explained that vestibular

migraines do not always have a headache component, and dizziness without headache can be due

to migrainous etiology. Id.

Further, Dr. Bigelow noted that petitioner also had cervical spine pathology, with C3/C4

disc bulge and paresthesia of the fingertips noted by Dr. Khemani as a potential contributing

factor to his persisting symptoms. Cervical spine pathology and injuries are known to be

associated with dizziness. Resp. Ex. A at 19.

Dr. Bigelow agreed that, though the evidence is circumstantial, the most popular theory

for the pathogenesis of vestibular neuritis is viral infection, and HSV-1 is the most likely cause,

not the influenza virus. Resp. Ex. A at 20. Further, the literature discusses a lesion on the

vestibular nerve, not involvement of inflammation in the inner ear as the cause. Therefore, if

petitioner’s initial episode of dizziness in October was due to vestibular neuritis, it would have

been because of a lesion in the vestibular nerve, not inner ear inflammation as opined by Drs.

Tuohy and Hicks. Id.

Dr. Bigelow concluded he has never seen any cases of dizziness or migraine associated

with flu vaccine, and temporal association alone does not provide proof of causation. Resp. Ex.

A at 20-21. Therefore, he concluded that petitioner’s symptoms were unrelated to the intranasal

influenza vaccine he received in October 2013. The onset of his recurring symptoms appears to

have been triggered by an upper respiratory infection sometime after February 11, 2014 and

before he saw Dr. Brookes months after the FluMist vaccine. Neither the records nor the theories

offered by Drs. Tuohy and Hicks establish the vaccine as the cause of petitioner’s dizziness and

persistent symptoms. Id. at 21.

iii. Dr. Bigelow’s Second Report

29

In his second report, Dr. Bigelow submitted that Dr. Tuohy’s opinion that petitioner’s

“benign dizziness” from repeated URIs in 2006 could “never be mistaken” for the true vertigo

symptoms he experienced after the October 2013 vaccination was unsupported in the medical

record. Resp. Ex. F at 1. The medical records document petitioner’s presenting to Dr. Warrington

in July 2006 for evaluation of dizziness following three episodes of recurrent true vertigo in

2006, lasting 10 to 36 hours each and “consist[ing] of a sensation of spinning associated with

nausea and it happens on moving. It does not appear as if the vertigo is strictly positional” and

there was no hearing loss, tinnitus, or aural fullness. Id. at 2 (citing Pet. Ex. 4 at 78). Audiogram

was normal except for a slight drop at 4000 Hz. Id. Dr. Bigelow concluded that despite

petitioner’s affirmation to the contrary, the medical record clearly details petitioner describing

his dizziness as a spinning sensation which is, by definition, vertigo, and it is “quite unlikely that

[petitioner’s] physician would have “fabricated such a detailed description.” Resp. Ex. F at 2.

Dr. Bigelow also pointed out that petitioner’s medical history documented his history of

recurrent upper respiratory infections prior to the vaccine at issue and the associated recurrent

episodes of vertigo in 2006 which began with upper respiratory symptoms “quite similar” to

what occurred after an upper respiratory infection in February 2014. Resp Ex. F at 2. The

medical records further document that petitioner had full recovery in December 2013 following

an illness post the October 2013 vaccine and after taking medication for dizziness for “only for a

few days.” Petitioner then reported feeling well, without dizziness, and requested a return-to-

work certificate. Id. Dr. Brookes’ medical record for April 15, 2014 documented petitioner’s

persistent and recurrent symptoms that began after an upper respiratory infection he suffered in

February 2014. The upper respiratory infection in February of 2014 was the onset of petitioner’s

chronic and persistent symptoms which was “not even remotely associated” with his October 17,

2013 influenza vaccine. Id.

Further, Dr. Bigelow pointed to three of petitioner’s treating physicians, Drs. Low,

Khemani, and Bronstein who attributed petitioner’s ongoing symptoms to vestibular migraine.

Dr. Tuohy argued that this was a misdiagnosis, and that petitioner had no history of migraine in

his records. Resp. Ex. F at 2. However, petitioner’s medical records document a history of

migraine and a family history of migraine in his mother. Id. Dr. Bigelow opined that it is well-

known that vestibular migraines can present as dizziness without headache, but if headache is

present it can manifest as peri- or retro-orbital in nature. Petitioner’s medical records document

headache and pain above the right eye in 2011 and in August 2013 two months prior to

vaccination. Id. at 3. Dr. Bigelow concluded based on petitioner’s medical records, petitioner had

a documented prior history of migraines, a family history of migraines, and recurrent peri- and

retro-orbital pain which is common with migraines, headaches, and symptoms that were

“significantly worse” when he was not taking amitriptyline, a medication that can be used for

migraine management. Id.

Dr. Bigelow explained that vestibular migraines can be difficult to treat as patients often

do not respond or only partially respond to specific medication. Here, only one medication was

used, though it is common to try a series of medications to find one that works for the individual.

However, it would be an “error in medical judgment” to conclude that petitioner did not have

vestibular migraine because he only had partial or 60-75% improvement rather than a complete

response to the amitriptyline. Resp. Ex. F at 3. Dr. Bigelow concluded, based on petitioner’s

30

medical record, vestibular migraine was the cause of his persistent symptoms of dizziness. Dr.

Tuohy’s opinions to the contrary are not supported by petitioner’s medical record and

demonstrate a lack of understanding of vestibular migraine, because he focuses on migraine

headaches rather than the vestibular effects that can be caused by a migrainous condition. Id.

As to Dr. Hicks, Dr. Bigelow noted his agreement that migraines could be a potential

diagnosis though he argued that the medical records did not document issues with motion

intolerance. Dr. Bigelow pointed to Dr. Bronstein’s medical records documenting motion issues

as “dizzy or disorientation feelings can increase in elevators, in aeroplanes if they tilt… and to

some extent in a car or in trains or tubes.” Resp. Ex. F at 3-4. Further, the medical records reflect

that petitioner did have significant partial improvement of symptoms with amitriptyline rather

than no improvement as suggested. Id. at 4.

Dr. Bigelow again addressed Dr. Hick’s theory that the FluMist passed through the blood

brain barrier into the central nervous system, noting that he was unaware of any evidence that

demonstrates this theory, and petitioner did not suffer from or have evidence of viral encephalitis

which would likely have occurred had the vaccine passed the blood brain barrier into the central

nervous system. Resp. Ex. F at 4. Dr. Bigelow pointed out that Djupesland relied on by Dr.

Hicks discussed Midazolam, a drug designed to easily pass the blood brain barrier but did not

discuss influenza vaccine. Id.; Pet. Ex. 70.57 In contrast, Planty, examined the question of

possible blood brain barrier penetration of influenza vaccine in animals and did not find any such

evidence. Resp. Ex. F at 4; Resp. Ex. F, Tab 1.58

Dr. Bigelow noted that initially Dr. Hicks attributed petitioner’s symptoms to injury of

the inner ear, but in his second report, attributed the symptoms to vestibular neuritis resulting

from reactivation of latent HSV-1. Resp. Ex. F at 5. Dr. Bigelow was unable to find any support

for influenza vaccine reactivating latent HSV-1 virus in the geniculate and vestibular ganglion

causing an inflammatory response of the superior vestibular nerve. Id. He did, however, find

articles demonstrating successful treatment of active herpes virus infections with the influenza

vaccine. He added that Dr. Hicks provided no proof other than his own belief that the influenza

virus reactivated latent HSV-1. Id. Dr. Bigelow challenged Dr. Hicks’s claim that the infection

may involve the vestibular nuclei in the brain if symptoms persist longer than six months, stating

that the Arbusow study Dr. Hicks relied on for this proposition neither states nor infers a

correlation between length of symptoms and involvement of vestibular nuclei in the brain with

HSV-1. Id.; Pet. Ex. 33.59

Dr. Bigelow explained that patients with vestibular neuritis typically have severe injury

to the vestibular nerve on the affected side or unilaterally. Resp. Ex. F at 5. If petitioner

experienced persistent symptoms from an active HSV-1 infection in the superior vestibular nerve

or persistent inflammation of that nerve, vestibular testing would show abnormalities. Id. Dr.

57

Djupesland, supra note 41.

58

Camille Planty et al., Evaluation of the potential effects of AS03-adjuvanted A(H1N1)pdm09 vaccine

administration on the central nervous system of non-primed and A(H1N1)pdm09-primed rats, 13 HUM. VACCINES &

IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS 90 (2017), filed as “Resp. Ex. F, Tab 1.”

59

V. Arbusow et al., Detection of herpes simplex virus type 1 in human vestibular nuclei, 55 NEUROLOGY 880

(2000), filed as “Pet. Ex. 33.”

31

Bigelow submitted several histopathologic autopsy studies confirming this.60 Id. Vestibular

testing performed on petitioner by Dr. Bronstein on multiple occasions were unremarkable and

showed no vestibular deficit, which suggests no permanent or active vestibular injury or

abnormality. Id.

Finally, Dr. Bigelow submitted the suggestion that the prescribed Betahistine and

Prochlorperazine interfered in the long-term resolution and recovery of petitioner’s central

nervous system compensation is unsupported in the medical records. Resp. Ex. F at 6. According

to Dr. Bigelow, the “vast majority” of patients with vestibular neuritis will recover over time and

become asymptomatic, even if they have permanent vestibular deficit, because they will

compensate for that deficit. Id. Further, a small number of patients with vestibular neuritis will

have persistent symptoms that never resolve, and the etiology for that is often unclear, but

petitioner was not documented as having a vestibular deficit and he fully recovered from his

initial illness following the vaccination. Id. A study by Huppert concluded that vestibular neuritis

has an “extremely low” recurrence rate at 1.9%, and in cases of recurrence, the vestibular neuritis

affects the contralateral or opposite side. Id.; Resp. Ex. F, Tab 8.61 Based on petitioner’s clinical

history, it is extremely unlikely that petitioner’s ongoing symptoms were caused by vestibular

neuritis followed by recurrent vestibular neuritis on the same side, or that his symptoms were

related to the October 2013 influenza vaccination. Id.

2. Dr. Kathleen Collins

i. Qualifications

Respondent filed two reports from Dr. Kathleen Collins. See Resp. Ex. C, E. Dr. Collins

has a medical degree and a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Resp. Ex.

D at 1. She completed a residency in internal medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Id.

Dr. Collins also completed a clinical fellowship in infectious disease rotating through several

Boston hospitals, a research fellowship in medicine at Harvard University, and a postdoctoral

fellowship at Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Id. She is board certified in internal

medicine and infectious disease. Id. at 6. She has been a professor of virology at the University

of Michigan School of Medicine for the past 15 years. Resp. Ex. C at 1. Since 1998, Dr. Collins

has been a staff physician at both the University of Michigan Hospital and Ann Arbor Veterans

Administration Hospital. Resp. Ex. D at 2.

ii. Dr. Collins’s First Report

In her first report, Dr. Collins described vestibular neuritis, vestibular migraine,

autoimmune disease, live attenuated influenza virus vaccine (LAIV), HSV-1, and Ramsey Hunt

Syndrome. Resp. Ex. C at 4; Resp. Ex. C, Tab 1-10. These terms have been defined previously in

this decision.

60

Schuknecht & Kitamura, supra note 49; Baloh et al., supra note 50; Richard & Linthicum, supra note 51.

61

D. Huppert et al., Low recurrence rate of vestibular neuritis: A long-term follow-up, 67 NEUROLOGY 1870 (2006),

filed as “Resp. Ex. F, Tab 8.”

32

Dr. Collins added that LAIV is temperature-sensitive, a property that limits the

replication of the vaccine viruses at body temperature and restricts LAIV from replicating in the

human lower airways. Resp. Ex. C at 4; Resp. Ex. C, Tab 8.62 HSV-1 causes vesicular lesions of

the oral mucosa commonly known as “cold sores” and clinical disease in other anatomical

locations including the genitalia, liver, lung, eye, and central nervous system. Once HSV-1

infection has occurred, it lives in a latent state in nerve cell bodies in the ganglion and can

reactivate. Frequency and reactivation are determined by many factors including

immunodeficiency and stress. Precipitating factors for recurrence include exposure to sunlight,

fever, menstruation, emotional stress, and trauma to the primary area of infection, such as

trigeminal nerve manipulation in oral infection or dental extractions. Vaccination has not been

reported to cause recurrences of HSV. Resp. Ex. C at 4; Resp. Ex. C, Tab 9.63 Ramsey Hunt

Syndrome is linked to reactivation of latent varicella zoster virus (VZV)64, which resides within

the geniculate ganglion with subsequent spread of the inflammatory process to involve the eight

nerve, resulting in auditory and vestibular disorders. VZV is thought to become latent after

primary varicella infection, and reactivation likely precipitates Ramsey Hunt Syndrome.

Antiviral therapy is usually prescribed. Resp. Ex. C at 4; Resp. Ex C, Tab 10.65

Dr. Collins addressed Dr. Tuohy’s “hypothesis” that the FluMist caused inflammatory

cytokines produced by both the adaptive and innate immune system to rapidly enter blood

circulation through the mucosal blood vessels of the nasal sinuses. Due to the close anatomic

proximity of the nose and ear, the potent cytokine gradient that developed affected nearby tissues

and likely induced damage to nearby inner ear tissue, which is extremely sensitive to the effects

of inflammatory cytokines. Resp. Ex. C at 5; Pet. Ex. 11 at 3. Dr. Tuohy relied on studies by

Vambutas and Pathak, which discuss autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED) as responsive to

steroids and other anti-inflammatory medication to show that the inner is especially sensitive to

cytokines. Resp. Ex. C at 5; Pet. Ex. 2166; Pet. Ex. 2267; Pet. Ex. 2368; Pet. Ex. 24.69 Dr. Collins

submits that these references are not relevant. AIED includes a sudden decline in hearing which

petitioner did not have. Id. In addition, the IOM concluded there was no evidence found that

directly or indirectly supports oversecretion of cytokines as an operative mechanism. Id.; Resp.

Ex. C, Tab 11.70

62

Scott A. Harper et al., Using Live, Attenuated Influenza Vaccine for Prevention and Control of Influenza,

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL (Sept. 26, 2003), https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5213a1.htm,

filed as “Resp. Ex. C, Tab 8.”

63

Robin S. Klein, Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of herpes simplex virus type 1 infection; UPTODATE (Aug.

5, 2017, 7:49 PM), https://www.uptodate.com/, filed as “Resp. Ex. C, Tab 9.”

64

Varicella zoster virus, or human herpesvirus 3, is the etiologic agent of chickenpox and herpes zoster. Dorland’s

843. In comparison, HSV-1 is another name for human herpesvirus 1, which is the etiologic agent of herpes simplex.

Id. 842.

65

Mary A. Albrecht, Clinical manifestations of varicella-zoster virus infection: Herpes zoster, UPTODATE (Aug. 5,

2017, 9:23 PM), https://www.uptodate.com/contents/epidemiology-clinical-manifestations-and-diagnosis-of-herpes-

zoster, filed as “Resp. Ex. C, Tab 10.”

66

Andrea Vambutas et al., Alternate Splicing of Interleukin-1 Receptor Type II (IL1R2) In Vitro Correlates with

Clinical Glucocorticoid Responsiveness in Patients with AIED, 4 PLOS ONE e5293 (2009), filed as “Pet. Ex. 21.”

67

Pathak et al., supra note 16.

68

Andrea Vambutas et al., Early efficacy trial of anakinra in corticosteroid-resistant autoimmune inner ear disease,

124 J. CLINICAL INVESTIGATION 4115 (2014), filed as “Pet. Ex. 23.”

69

Shresh Pathak et al., N-acetylcysteine attenuates tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels in autoimmune inner ear

disease patients, 63 IMMUNOLOGIC RES. 236 (2015), filed as “Pet. Ex. 24.”

70

INST. OF MED., ADVERSE EFFECTS OF VACCINES EVIDENCE AND CAUSALITY (2012), filed as “Resp. Ex. C, Tab

33

Dr. Collins noted that while admitting that the effects of live attenuated influenza vaccine

would be transient, Dr. Tuohy then submitted that petitioner’s chronic symptoms were the result

of epitope spreading or the substantial power of inflammatory cytokine surges that result from

the activation of innate and adaptive memory responses to infection with live viruses. Resp. Ex.

C at 5; Pet. Ex. 11, ref. 11,71 12,72 15,73 16.74 Dr. Tuohy relied on Rose and Lane, which discuss

coxsackie B virus infection causing inflammation to the muscle wall of the heart by inducing an

autoimmune response in mice with a certain genetic background within 9-15 days after injection

and could be reproduced by injecting mice with cardiac myosin protein. Resp. Ex. C at 5; Pet.

Ex. 2575; Pet. Ex. 26.76 Dr. Collins submitted that this is dissimilar to petitioner, who received an

attenuated vaccine and experienced symptoms within 2-3 days. Further, the Rose and Lane

studies do not provide any evidence that the influenza vaccine could produce petitioner’s

vestibular symptoms. Id. (referencing Pet. Ex. 29-30).

Next, Dr. Collins discussed Dr. Tuohy’s reliance on his own study which discussed

epitope spreading in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and multiple sclerosis

(MS). Resp. Ex. C at 6; Pet. Ex. 27.77 Tuohy involved injecting myelin basic protein (MBP),

which forms the sheath around the nerves, into mice to force an autoimmune reaction which then

damages the myelin and causes neurological symptoms due to demyelination. Epitope spreading

was supported by showing that injection of short myelin peptide led to immune responses

directed against other sections of myelin protein within 2-3 weeks of injection and within 14

days of injection where there were already memory cells directed against peptides. Resp. Ex. C

at 6. Dr. Collins submitted that the timing and characteristics of EAE are not similar to the

vestibular symptoms experienced by petitioner within 2-3 days after the FluMist vaccine and

provided no evidence that influenza could produce petitioner’s vestibular symptoms.

Further, the Miller study relied on by Dr. Tuohy discussed epitope spreading in Theiler’s

virus infection of the central nervous system believed to be similar to MS. Resp. Ex. C at 6; Pet.

Ex. 28.78 The study viewed viral mediated damage to the myelin sheath and the development of

an immune response to exposed myelin 30-35 days after infection. The study does not mention

attenuated influenza vaccine or provide any evidence that influenza vaccine could produce

petitioner’s vestibular symptoms 2-3 days after vaccination. Resp. Ex. C at 6.

Dr. Collins agreed that coxsackie B virus and Theiler’s virus persist in target organs, with

Theiler’s virus persisting for the lifetime of the infected host. Persistent infection leads to

11.”

71

Rose et al., supra note 40.

72

J.R. Lane et al., Role of IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor in coxsackie virus-induced autoimmune myocarditis, 151

J. IMMUNOLOGY 1682 (1993), filed as “Pet. Ex. 26.”

73

Ami Schattner, Consequence or coincidence? The occurrence, pathogenesis and significance of autoimmune

manifestations after viral vaccines, 23 VACCINE 3876 (2005), filed as “Pet. Ex. 29.”

74

Hedi Orbach et al., Vaccines and autoimmune diseases of the adult, 9 DISCOVERY MED. 90-7 (2010), filed as “Pet.

Ex. 30.”

75

Rose et al., supra note 40.

76

Lane et al., supra note 72.

77

Vincent K. Tuohy et al., The epitope spreading cascade during progression of experimental autoimmune

encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis, 164 IMMUNOLOGICAL REV. 93 (1998), filed as “Pet. Ex. 27.”

78

Stephen D. Miller et al., Virus-Induced Autoimmunity: Epitope Spreading to Myelin Epitopes in Theiler’s Virus

Infection of the Central Nervous System, 56 ADVANCES IN VIRUS RESEARCH 199 (2001), filed as “Pet. Ex. 28.”

34

persistent damage and stimulation of the immune system. The FluMist does not persist in the

body and is cleared by an anti-influenza immune response in humans with normal immune

systems like petitioner. Resp Ex. C at 6.

Dr. Collins discussed Schattner, an article that conducted Medline searches of all relevant

publications from 1966 to 2004 involving autoimmune reactions and vaccination relied on by Dr.

Tuohy to describe specific organ damage, but none showed damage to the vestibular system.

Resp. Ex. C at 6; Pet. Ex. 29.79 Most showed symptoms developing after a latent period of about

two weeks and were self-limited, reflective of the transient nature of the inflammatory response

to vaccination. Id. Similarly, the Orbach study relied on by Dr. Tuohy was a review article on

vaccines and autoimmune disease and did not include vaccine-induced vestibular disease similar

to what petitioner suffered. Resp. C at 6; Pet. Ex. 30.80

Dr. Collins addressed Dr. Hicks’s “hypothesis” that, when combined with memory cells

from prior influenza vaccine or viral infection, the FluMist overwhelmed and dismantled the

balance between the level of attenuation and the level of immunogenicity, causing onset of

symptoms within a few days. Resp. Ex. C at 6. According to Dr. Hicks, the reference relied on

states that onset of antigenic immunoblasts may take 3 days or more but a secondary response by

memory lymphocytes has a shorter lag time.81 Id.

Dr. Collins discussed Dr. Hicks’s opinion that viruses, including influenza, can damage

the inner ear. Reviewing Dr. Hicks’s references 24-35 (Pet. Ex. 40-50), Dr. Collins noted that

none of these articles provide “evidence that vaccination with live attenuated influenza virus

could cause [petitioner’s] symptoms.” Resp. Ex. C at 7. Davis involved wild influenza virus

which infected inner ear structures of newborn hamsters when injected directly into the brain, but

not when injected elsewhere. Id.; Pet. Ex. 40.82 A second study by Davis discussed infection of

inner ear structures from various viruses including HSV in guinea pigs and wild type influenza

virus in ferrets but concluded “firm proof” was lacking in humans. Resp. Ex. C at 7; Pet. Ex.

41.83 Matsuo discussed increased protein in cerebral spinal fluid, “which bathes the central

nervous system” in those with vestibular neuritis and provides nothing relevant to this case. Id. at

7; Pet. Ex. 42.84 Richard discussed a woman who had two episodes of vertigo during her life

with complete recovery after each who had a smaller ganglion in the right superior vestibular

nerve. This has no relevance to Dr. Hick’s theory in this case. Id. at 7; Pet. Ex. 43.85

Richard, Rarey, and Arbusow were studies that tested for HSV DNA in vestibular tissue

dissected randomly on autopsy, showing it to be commonly found in vestibular tissue. The

studies did not discuss whether HSV DNA caused vestibular neuritis but found the frequency at

79

Schattner, supra note 73.

80

Orbach et al., supra note 74.

81

This reference relied upon by Dr. Hicks was not filed.

82

Larry E. Davis & Richard T. Johnson, Experimental Viral Infections of the Inner Ear, I. Acute Infections of the

Newborn Hamster Labyrinth, 34 LAB. INVESTIGATION 349 (1976), filed as “Pet. Ex. 40.”

83

Larry E. Davis, Comparative Experimental Viral Labyrinthitis, 11 AM. J. OTOLARYNGOLOGY 382 (1990), filed as

“Pet. Ex. 41.”

84

Takaaki Matsuo, Vestibular Neuronitis—Serum and CSF Virus Antibody Titer, 13 AURIS NASUS LARYNX 11

(1986), filed as “Pet. Ex. 42.”

85

Richard & Linthicum, supra note 51.

35

which HSV DNA was present in vestibular tissue was higher than the frequency of vestibular

neuritis. Resp. Ex. C at 7; Pet. Ex. 4386; Pet. Ex. 4487; Pet. Ex. 4588; Pet. Ex. 46.89 Dr. Collins

added that studies show HSV infection is successfully treated with anti-viral medication such as

acyclovir or Valacyclovir, which has no benefit in treating those with vestibular neuritis. Resp.

Ex. C at 7. Resp. Ex. C, Tab 1. Welling90 showed no HSV DNA detected on surgical specimens

from patients with vertigo due to Meniere’s disease. Id. Rarey involved ferrets infected with wild

influenza B and given aspirin and an arginine-deficient diet who developed histological changes

but showed no inflammation in the vestibular system. Resp. Ex. C at 7-8. Ishiyama examined the

temporal bone of three people with chronic recurrent vestibular neuritis and inflammation, even

when not suffering from vertigo at the time of death, leading to speculation that post-viral

infection was a possible cause of the inflammation. Resp. Ex. C at 8; Pet. Ex. 50.91 The authors

referenced one case of vestibular neuritis after influenza vaccine. Dr. Collins noted that the IOM

cautions that, while useful in describing concerns and for the generation of hypotheses, case

reports generally have uncorroborated data and are insufficient for causality. Resp. Ex. C at 8.

Dr. Collins concluded that the references relied on do not provide support for Dr. Hick’s theory

that live attenuated influenza vaccination caused petitioner’s vestibular problems.

Dr. Collins then addressed Dr. Hicks’s theory that reactivated HSV can cause Bell’s

palsy, idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss, and vestibular neuritis, commenting on the literature

he relied on. Resp. Ex. C at 8 (citing Pet. Ex. 13, ref. 36-37). Veltri studied the serology or the

presence of a virus by measuring detection of immune response against the virus, including wild

type influenza virus in cases in which sensorineural hearing loss occurred. In Dr. Collins’s

opinion, the article is irrelevant because petitioner did not have hearing loss. Resp. Ex. C at 8;

Pet. Ex. 51.92 Falser studied pseudorabies virus found in the vestibular system of mice and

swine causing damage also not relevant to petitioner. Resp. Ex. C at 8; Pet. Ex. 52.93

Dr. Collins addressed Dr. Hicks’s reliance on his references 38-47 in support of his

opinion that the superior vestibular nerve is more susceptible to inflammatory effects than the

inferior vestibular nerve, comparing it to the facial nerve affected in Bell’s palsy. According to

Dr. Collins, these references are not relevant to whether the FluMist caused petitioner’s chronic

vestibular symptoms. Resp. Ex. C at 8 (referencing Pet. Ex. 53;94 Pet. Ex. 54;95 Pet. Ex. 55;96 Pet.

Ex. 56;97 Pet. Ex. 57;98 Pet. Ex. 58;99 Pet. Ex. 59;100 Pet. Ex. 60;101 Pet. Ex. 61;102 Pet. Ex. 62103).

86

Id.

87

Viktor Arbusow et al., HSV-1 Not Only in Human Vestibular Ganglia but Also in the Vestibular Labyrinth, 6

AUDIOLOGY & NEUROTOLOGY 259 (2001), filed as “Pet. Ex. 44.”

88

Rarey et al., supra note 44.

89

V. Arbusow et al., Distribution of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 in Human Geniculate and Vestibular Ganglia:

Implications for Vestibular Neuritis, 38 AM. NEUROLOGICAL ASS’N 416 (1999), filed as “Pet. Ex. 46.”

90

D. Bradley Welling et al., Detection of Viral DNA in Vestibular Ganglia Tissue From Patients With Meniere’s

Disease, 18 AM. J. OTOLOGY 734 (1997), filed as “Pet. Ex. 49.”

91

Akira Ishiyama et al., Histopathology of Idiopathic Chronic Recurrent Vertigo, 106 LARYNGOSCOPE 1340 (1996),

filed as “Pet. Ex. 50.”

92

Robert W. Veltri et al., The Implication of Viruses in Idiopathic Sudden Hearing Loss: Primary Infection or

Reactivation of Latent Viruses?, 89 OTOLARYNGOLOGY HEAD NECK SURGERY 137 (1981), filed as “Pet. Ex. 51.”

93

N. Falser et al., The Role of Acute and Latent Virus Infections in the Pathogenesis of Inner Ear Disturbances, 8

AM. J. OTOLOGY 136 (1987), filed as “Pet. Ex. 52.”

94

H.J. Milionis et al., Lipoprotein (a) and acute-phase response in patients with vestibular neuritis, 33 EUR. J.

CLINICAL INVESTIGATION 1045 (2003), filed as “Pet. Ex. 53.”

36

Dr. Collins summarized Dr. Hicks’s hypotheses as, one, the FluMist vaccination resulted

in fulminate influenza virus infection, which compromised the immune system and caused

reactivation of HSV-1 causing vestibular injury and/or two, the FluMist vaccine induced an

immune response causing a “stress response” that reactivated HSV-1 and caused vestibular

injury. Resp. Ex. C at 8.

Dr. Collins pointed out that petitioner’s medical records do not contain any reports that

petitioner suffered from a fulminant influenza infection which includes fever, chills, headache,

and congestion. Dr. Collins agreed that HSV DNA in vestibular tissue has been shown on

autopsy slides, but whether HSV-1 causes vestibular neuritis is controversial. Antivirals that

should be effective against HSV-1 are ineffective in those suffering from vestibular neuritis and

vaccination has not been shown to induce HSV-1 reactivation. Resp. Ex. C at 9.

Dr. Collins discussed Ramsey Hunt Syndrome well recognized as caused by reactivation

of latent varicella zoster virus (VZV) in the geniculate ganglion. Resp. Ex. C at 9; Resp. Ex C,

Tabs 1104 and 3.105 Ramsey Hunt Syndrome includes acute vertigo and/or hearing loss, facial

paralysis, ear pain, and vesicles in the auditory canal and auricle. Petitioner did not have

symptoms of Ramsey Hunt Syndrome and there is no evidence that vaccines can reactivate latent

VZV. Resp. Ex. C at 9.

As to timing, Dr. Collins submitted that autoimmune response to self-proteins following

virological damage to tissue takes two weeks for symptoms to develop, not 2-3 days. Resp. Ex. C

at 9.

Dr. Collins submitted that Drs. Tuohy and Hicks’s theories are inconsistent with findings

of large-scale studies on FluMist, which have shown the adverse effects of pneumonia,

bronchitis, bronchiolitis, or central nervous system events were similar in recipients of the

vaccine and of the placebo. Resp. Ex. C at 9; Resp. Ex. C, Tab 8.106

95

S.T. Aw et al., Individual semicircular canal function in superior and inferior vestibular neuritis, 57 NEUROLOGY

768 (2001), filed as “Pet. Ex. 54.”

96

Ji-Soo Kim & Hyo Jung Kim, Inferior vestibular neuritis, 259 J. NEUROLOGY 1553 (2012), filed as “Pet. Ex. 55.”

97

Stefan S. Kassner et al., Proinflammatory Activation of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Patients with

Vestibular Neuritis, 16 AUDIOLOGY & NEUROTOLOGY 242 (2011), filed as “Pet. Ex. 56.”

98

Sherrie Divito et al., A Triple Entente: Virus, Neurons, and CD8+ T Cells Maintain HSV-1 Latency, 36

IMMUNOLOGIC RES. 119 (2006), filed as “Pet. Ex. 57.”

99

Richard J. Whitley, Herpes Simplex Virus Infections of the Central Nervous System, 85 AM. J. MED. 61 (1988),

filed as “Pet. Ex. 58.”

100

Lawrence T. Feldman, Spontaneous molecular reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 latency in mice, 99

PNAS 978 (2002), filed as “Pet. Ex. 59.”

101

Joel A. Goebel et al., Anatomic Considerations in Vestibular Neuritis, 22 OTOLOGY & NEUROTOLOGY 512

(2001), filed as “Pet. Ex. 60.”

102

G.M. Halmagyi et al., Inferior Vestibular Neuritis, 956 ANN. N.Y. ACAD. SCI. 306 (2002), filed as “Pet. Ex. 61.”

103

Takaaki Matsuo & Toru Sekitani, Vestibular Neuritis: Neurotological Findings and Progress, 47 ORL 199

(1985), filed as “Pet. Ex. 62.”

104

Baloh, supra note 9.

105

Joseph M. Furman, Causes of vertigo, UPTODATE (July 29, 2017, 11:33 AM),

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/causes-of-vertigo, filed as “Resp. Ex. C, Tab 3.”

106

Harper et al., supra note 62.

37

Dr. Collins submitted vestibular migraine as an alternative explanation for petitioner’s

condition based on his personal and family history of migraine headaches, prior history of

vertigo, and response to medication effective in treating migraines. Further, Drs. Khemani and

Bronstein opined that petitioner had underlying migraine, though unclear whether he suffered

pure migraines or had an episode of inferior vestibular nerve neuritis with delayed compensation

secondary to migraine. Resp. Ex. C at 9.

Dr. Collins concluded that the onset of petitioner’s symptoms following receipt of the

FluMist vaccination was too rapid to be autoimmune mediated, his chronic symptoms

inconsistent with the mechanisms proposed, and there is no evidence that FluMist can cause

vestibular neuritis, reactivate HSV-1, or that reactivation of HSV is an indirect cause of

vestibular neuritis. Therefore, there is no support for the FluMist causing petitioner’s chronic

symptoms. Resp. Ex. C at 9-10.

iii. Dr. Collins’ Second Report

In her second report, Dr. Collins addressed Drs. Tuohy and Hicks’s responses to her

initial report. Resp. Ex. E.

In response to Dr. Tuohy, Dr. Collins pointed to petitioner’s multiple URIs and related

complaints in 2006 that were similar to what he suffered in October 2013, concluding that

however one chooses to describe the symptoms, petitioner had a predisposition to vertigo. Resp.

Ex. E at 1.

Dr. Collins clarified, she did not raise AIED, Dr. Tuohy did with his reliance on

references 7-10 submitted to show that inner ear tissue is sensitive to cytokines and AIED is

responsive to steroids and anti-inflammatory mediators. Resp. Ex. E at 1; Pet. Ex. 21;107 Pet. Ex.

22;108 Pet. Ex. 23;109 Pet. Ex. 24.110 Dr. Collins agreed with Dr. Hicks that AIED and vestibular

neuritis are different in their effect on hearing, and that petitioner did not have symptoms of

AIED, which includes a sudden decline in hearing. Petitioner had intermittent vertigo and

dizziness. Resp. Ex. at 1-2.

Despite petitioner’s experts’ assertions to the contrary, Dr. Collins pointed to petitioner’s

medical records that documented a personal and family history of migraines, and a prior history

of vertigo and vestibular symptoms. These entries were not marked as “in error” as suggested.

Resp. Ex. E at 2; Pet. Ex. 4 at 25, 53, 78; Pet. Ex. 8 at 7, 11. Further, she highlighted Dr.

Bronstein’s record that documented petitioner’s report of a 60-70% improvement in migraines

with medication, specifically amitriptyline with all objective testing being normal. Resp. Ex. E

at 2; Pet. Ex. 3 at 3; Pet. Ex. 8 at 7. Further, Dr. Bronstein’s conclusion that petitioner’s

symptoms appeared to be related to underlying migraines, whether pure migraine or an episode

of inferior vestibular nerve neuritis with delayed compensation secondary to migraine, is

supported by petitioner’s history. Resp. Ex. E at 2; Pet. Ex. 8 at 14. Relying on the Harvard

107

Vambutas et al., supra note 66.

108

Pathak et al., supra note 16.

109

Vambutas et al., supra note 68.

110

Pathak et al., supra note 69.

38

Medical School online textbook UpToDate, Dr. Collins submitted that patients with vestibular

migraine do not have other neurological symptoms and may not have headaches with their

attacks of vertigo. Resp. Ex. E at 2: Resp. Ex. C, Tab 5.111 Even though petitioner did not

describe his past headaches as migraines, he reported sinus headaches that sometimes occurred

over one eye. Resp. Ex. E at 2; Pet. Ex. 4 at 123.

Dr. Collins addressed Dr. Tuohy’s hypotheses including that: the FluMist caused

inflammation and oversecretion of cytokines into local, collateral, and systemic circulation

irritating the delicate tissue of the inner ear; an immune response to cochlear-specific protein

could cause damage to the cochlea with hearing loss similar to that seen in autoimmune

sensorineural hearing loss; and post-viral autoimmune induced tissue damage could chronically

affect the labyrinth following vaccination relying on an entry in the record by Dr. Brookes that

“clinically, this fits best with a post-viral damage.” Resp. Ex. E at 2-3. Dr. Collins agreed that the

initial presentation may have fit post-viral damage due to URI but post-viral damage due to a

URI should be transient, so the theory falls apart due to the chronicity of petitioner’s symptoms.

Petitioner’s vestibular testing was normal with no evidence of viral damage. Resp. Ex. E at 3;

Pet. Ex. 9 at 13.

Dr. Collins added that Dr. Tuohy’s theory is further flawed because it invokes both

elements of a weak immune response suggesting the persistence of an uncleared virus and an

overly strong immune response invoking autoimmunity to explain petitioner’s chronic

symptoms. However, he provided no evidence to support that influenza virus can cause

persistent infection with chronic symptoms and, in fact, acknowledged that live attenuated

influenza virus vaccination would be transient and would not explain chronic symptoms. Resp.

Ex. E at 3. The overly strong immune system response is problematic in that autoimmune

responses against cochlear proteins would result in cochlea damage and hearing loss, which

petitioner does not have. Id. at 4.

As for Dr. Hicks’s theory that FluMist was a stressor that reactivated HSV-1 latent in the

geniculate and vestibular ganglion, leading to an inflammatory response of the superior

vestibular nerve, is also flawed. Dr. Hicks relied on his references 6, 8, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37,

42, 43, 44, 52, 57, and 58112 to show the presence of HSV-1 in animals and in the temporal bone

on autopsy in humans and included epidemiology studies that show the presence of latent HSV-1

in the trigeminal, genicular, and vestibular ganglions, either individually or collectively. Pet. Ex.

32;113 Pet. Ex. 33;114 Pet. Ex. 43;115 Pet. Ex. 44;116 Pet. Ex. 46;117 Pet. Ex. 47;118 Pet. Ex. 48;119

111

Robertson, supra note 14.

112

Dr. Hick’s references 52, 57, and 58 were not filed.

113

Baloh, supra note 9.

114

Arbusow, supra note 59.

115

Richard & Linthicum, supra note 51.

116

Arbusow et al., supra note 87.

117

Arbusow et al., supra note 89.

118

Martha F. Kramer et al., Latent Herpes Simplex Virus Infection of Sensory Neurons Alters Neuronal Gene

Expression, 77 J. VIROLOGY 9533 (2003), filed as “Pet. Ex. 47.”

119

Yasushi Furuta et al., Latent Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 in Human Vestibular Ganglia, 503 ACTA

OTOLARYNGOLICA SUPP. 85 (1993), filed as “Pet. Ex. 48.”

39

Pet. Ex. 51;120 Pet. Ex. 52;121 Pet. Ex. 57;122 Pet. Ex. 58;123 Pet. Ex. 59.124 However, while Dr.

Collins agreed that indirect evidence exists that HSV-1 has been found in the ganglion on

autopsy slides from normal people, there is no proof that HSV-1 infection can cause vestibular

neuritis. Further, antivirals used to treat to HSV-1 infection are not beneficial to those suffering

from vestibular neuritis, suggesting that HSV-1 infection does not cause vestibular neuritis.

Resp. Ex. E at 4; Resp. Ex. C, Tab 1;125 Pet. Ex. 13.

Dr. Collins agreed it is generally accepted that VZV (herpes zoster virus),126 which is

different from HSV-1, can play a role in causing Bell’s palsy and infection of the 7th and 8th

cranial nerves. However, petitioner did not have symptoms of herpes zoster infection and Dr.

Hicks’s reliance on herpes zoster and Bell’s palsy does not translate to HSV-1 causing vestibular

neuritis. Resp. Ex. E at 4.

Dr. Collins repeated what was contained in her first report regarding Dr. Hicks’s opinions

and literature. Resp. Ex. E at 4-7. She added that the model Dr. Hicks proposes is inconsistent

and flawed in explaining how a virus can be active to cause to disease yet latent for drugs to be

ineffective. Antiviral medications treat reactivated HSV-1 and prevent further reactivation. The

ineffectiveness of antiviral medication in the treatment of vestibular neuritis argues against the

role of HSV-1, and Dr. Hicks provides no evidence that vaccines can cause reactivation of HSV-

1. Resp. Ex. E at 7.

Dr. Collins concluded that Dr. Tuohy’s logic is similarly flawed because his autoimmune

theories would lead to hearing loss, which petitioner did not have as noted by Dr. Hicks. Resp.

Ex. E at 7. Both Drs. Tuohy and Hicks agree that persistence of a live virus is not a viable option

in an immunocompetent person like petitioner. Thus, her conclusions in this case remained the

same. Id.

V. Discussion

A. Legal Standard

The Vaccine Act provides two avenues for petitioners to receive compensation. First, a

petitioner may demonstrate a “Table” injury—i.e., an injury listed on the Vaccine Injury Table

that occurred within the provided time period. 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-11(c)(1)(C)(i). “In such a case,

causation is presumed.” Capizzano v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 440 F.3d 1317, 1320

(Fed. Cir. 2006); see § 13(a)(1)(B). Second, where the alleged injury is not listed on the Vaccine

Injury Table, a petitioner may demonstrate an “off-Table” injury, which requires that the

petitioner “prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the vaccine at issue caused the injury.”

Capizzano, 440 F.3d at 1320; see § 11(c)(1)(C)(ii). A petitioner need not show that the

vaccination was the sole cause, or even the predominant cause, of the alleged injury; showing

120

Veltri et al., supra note 92.

121

Falser et al., supra note 93.

122

Divito et al., supra note 98.

123

Whitley, supra note 99.

124

Feldman et al., supra note 100.

125

Baloh, supra note 9.

126

Herpes zoster virus is also called varicella zoster virus (VZV). Resp. Ex. C at 9.

40

that the vaccination was a “substantial factor” and a “but for” cause of the injury is sufficient for

recovery. Pafford v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 451 F.3d 1352, 1355 (Fed. Cir. 2006);

Shyface v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 165 F.3d 1344, 1352 (Fed. Cir. 1999). Petitioners

are not required “to eliminate alternative causes as part of establishing [their] prima facie case.”

Doe v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 601 F.3d 1349, 1357-58 (Fed. Cir. 2010); see Walther v.

Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 485 F.3d 1146, 1152 (Fed. Cir. 2007) (holding that a

“petitioner does not bear the burden of eliminating alternative independent potential causes”).

Once a petitioner has proven causation by preponderant evidence, “the burden then shifts to the

respondent to show by a preponderance of the evidence that the injury is due to factors unrelated

to the administration of the vaccine.” Deribeaux ex rel. Deribeaux v. Sec’y of Health & Human

Servs., 717 F.3d 1363, 1367 (Fed. Cir. 2013) (citing 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-13(a)(1)(B)).

To prove causation, petitioners must satisfy the three-pronged test established in Althen v.

Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 418 F.3d 1274 (Fed. Cir. 2005). Althen requires that petitioners

show by preponderant evidence that a vaccination petitioner received caused his or her injury

“by providing: (1) a medical theory causally connecting the vaccination and the injury; (2) a

logical sequence of cause and effect showing that the vaccination was the reason for the injury;

and (3) a showing of a proximate temporal relationship between vaccination and injury.” Id. at

1278. Together, these prongs must show “that the vaccine was ‘not only a but-for cause of the

injury but also a substantial factor in bringing about the injury.’” Stone v. Sec’y of Health &

Human Servs., 676 F.3d 1373, 1379 (Fed. Cir. 2012) (quoting Shyface, 165 F.3d at 1352-53).

Causation is determined on a case-by-case basis, with “no hard and fast per se scientific or

medical rules.” Knudsen v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 35 F.3d 543, 548 (Fed. Cir. 1994).

Petitioners are not required to identify “specific biological mechanisms” to establish causation,

nor are they required to present “epidemiologic studies, rechallenge, the presence of pathological

markers or genetic disposition, or general acceptance in the scientific or medical communities.”

Capizzano, 440 F.3d at 1325 (quoting Althen, 418 F.3d at 1280). “[C]lose calls regarding

causation are resolved in favor of injured claimants.” Althen, 418 F.3d at 1280.

Each Althen prong requires a different showing. Under the first prong, petitioner must

provide a “reputable medical theory” demonstrating that the vaccine received can cause the type

of injury alleged. Pafford, 451 F.3d at 1355-56 (citation omitted). To satisfy this prong,

petitioner’s “theory of causation must be supported by a ‘reputable medical or scientific

explanation.’” Andreu, 569 F.3d at 1379 (quoting Althen, 418 F.3d at 1278). This theory need

only be “legally probable, not medically or scientifically certain.” Id. at 1380 (emphasis omitted)

(quoting Knudsen, 35 F.3d at 548). Nevertheless, “petitioners [must] proffer trustworthy

testimony from experts who can find support for their theories in medical literature.” LaLonde,

746 F.3d at 1341.

The second Althen prong requires proof of a “logical sequence of cause and effect.”

Capizzano, 440 F.3d at 1326 (quoting Althen, 418 F.3d at 1278). Even if the vaccination can

cause the injury, petitioner must show “that it did so in [this] particular case.” Hodges v. Sec’y of

Health & Human Servs., 9 F.3d 958, 962 n.4 (Fed. Cir. 1993) (citation omitted). “A reputable

medical or scientific explanation must support this logical sequence of cause and effect,” Id. at

961 (citation omitted), and “treating physicians are likely to be in the best position to determine

whether a logical sequence of cause and effect show[s] that the vaccination was the reason for

41

the injury,” Paluck v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 786 F.3d 1373, 1385 (Fed. Cir. 2015)

(quoting Andreu, 569 F.3d at 1375).

The third Althen prong requires that petitioner establish a “proximate temporal

relationship” between the vaccination and the alleged injury. Althen, 418 F.3d at 1281. This

“requires preponderant proof that the onset of symptoms occurred within a timeframe for which,

given the medical understanding of the disorder’s etiology, it is medically acceptable to infer

causation-in-fact.” De Bazan v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 539 F.3d 1347, 1352 (Fed. Cir.

2008). Typically, “a petitioner’s failure to satisfy the proximate temporal relationship prong is

due to the fact that onset was too late after the administration of a vaccine for the vaccine to be

the cause.” Id. However, “cases in which onset is too soon” also fail this prong; “in either case,

the temporal relationship is not such that it is medically acceptable to conclude that the

vaccination and the injury are causally linked.” Id.; see also Locane v. Sec’y of Health & Human

Servs., 685 F.3d 1375, 1381 (Fed. Cir. 2012) (“[If] the illness was present before the vaccine was

administered, logically, the vaccine could not have caused the illness.”).

Finally, although this decision discusses some but not all the literature in detail, I have

reviewed and considered all of the medical records and literature submitted in this matter. See

Moriarty ex rel. Moriarty v. Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 844 F.3d 1322, 1328 (Fed. Cir.

2016) (“We generally presume that a special master considered the relevant record evidence

even though [s]he does not explicitly reference such evidence in h[er] decision.”); Simanski v.

Sec’y of Health & Human Servs., 115 Fed. Cl. 407, 436 (2014) (“[A] Special Master is ‘not

required to discuss every piece of evidence or testimony in her decision.’” (citation omitted)),

aff’d, 601 F. App’x 982 (Fed. Cir. 2015).

B. Analysis of Althen Factors

Because petitioner does not allege an injury listed on the Vaccine Injury Table, his claim

is classified as “off-Table.” As noted above, for petitioner to prevail on an “off-Table” claim, he

must show by preponderant evidence that his claimed injury resulted from the vaccination at

issue. Capizzano, 440 F.3d at 1320. Doing so shifts the burden to respondent to show that the

injury was caused by factors unrelated to the vaccination. Deribeaux, 717 F.3d at 1367.

1. The Record Does Not Support a Diagnosis of Vestibular Neuritis

As a threshold matter, petitioner must first establish that he suffered the injury alleged in

the petition. See Broekelschen v. HHS, 618 F.3d 1339,1346 (Fed. Cir. 2010). As the Federal

Circuit has made clear, “the statute places the burden on petitioner to make a showing of at least

one defined and recognized injury.” Lombardi v. HHS, 656 F.3d 1343,1353 (Fed. Cir. 2011)

(affirming a special master’s decision to dismiss a petition when the petitioner could not

establish that she had any of the three diagnoses alleged). “The function of a special master is not

to ‘diagnose’ vaccine-related injuries, but instead to determine based on the record evidence as a

whole and the totality of the case, whether it has been shown by a preponderance of the evidence

that a vaccine caused [petitioner’s] injury.” Lombardi, 656 F.3d at 1352-53 (internal citation

omitted). Thus, where “the existence and nature of the injury itself is in dispute, it is the special

master’s duty to first determine which injury is best supported” by the evidence before applying

42

the Althen test to determine causation. Id. at 1352 (citing Broekelschen, 618 F.3d at 1345)

(emphasis added).

The parties dispute petitioner’s proper diagnosis in this matter. In the petition, petitioner

alleged that an influenza vaccine received on October 17, 2013 caused him to suffer a “severe

adverse reaction.” Pet. at ¶1. Thereafter, petitioner argued that he suffers from vestibular neuritis,

as opined by his expert Dr. Hicks. Respondent argued that petitioner suffers from vestibular

migraines/migrainous vertigo (“vestibular migraines”). Mot. for Ruling on the Record at 17, ECF

No. 65; Resp. Ex. A at 21; Resp. Ex. C at 9.

Several diagnoses were considered by petitioner’s treating physicians over the course of

his treatment. When petitioner presented in October 2013 following his October 17, 2013 flu

vaccine, possible viral labyrinthitis was suggested. Labyrinthitis was again mentioned on

November 1, 2013. Pet. Ex. 4 at 23. Three months later, at his next medical visit on February 11,

2014, when petitioner presented to his PCP seeking clearance to fly, his history included

resolved labyrinthitis. At that visit, petitioner reported being symptom free since December

2013. Id. at 24.

On April 30, 2014, petitioner presented to Dr. Brooks reporting an upper respiratory

infection in February 2014 with chronic symptoms of vertigo since. Following an MRI and

vestibular testing, Dr. Brookes opined that petitioner’s symptoms clinically fit best with “post-

viral damage and decompensation” following an upper respiratory infection in February 2014.

Pet. Ex. 7 at 1; Pet. Ex. 4 at 111. On May 9, 2014, Dr. Khemani opined that petitioner had an

episode of viral neuronitis from which he recovered fully but has had episodes of

decompensation likely triggered by proprioceptive cause, particularly cervicogenic in nature. Pet.

Ex. 8 at 51. In November 2014, following additional vestibular testing, Dr. Low concluded that

petitioner had vestibular migraines. Pet. Ex. 5 at 6. Petitioner then saw Dr. Bronstein, who

provided two possible interpretations: inferior nerve vestibular neuritis127 (emphasis added) with

residual symptoms perhaps not fully compensated due to migraine, or migraine with vestibular

flavor. Pet. Ex. 4 at 124. On February 9, 2015, Dr. Khemani concluded the diagnosis was

probable vestibular migraines. Pet. Ex. 8 at 14.

Various diagnoses were considered, but following extensive testing, vestibular migraines

with cervical contribution was the most agreed upon diagnosis by petitioner’s treating physicians

and what petitioner’s treating physicians treated him for. Respondent’s experts, unlike

petitioner’s treating physicians, had the benefit of petitioner’s history of prior episodes of vertigo

and agreed that petitioner suffered from vestibular migraines. However, petitioner and his expert,

Dr. Hicks, maintain that petitioner suffers from vestibular neuritis. The literature filed provides

that the diagnosis for both vestibular neuritis and vestibular migraine is based largely on clinical

presentation with no specific diagnostic testing as confirmatory. See Resp. Ex. C, Tab 2128; Resp.

Ex. C, Tab 5.129 Thus, to be thorough, I must look at the opinions of the experts in this case and

the evidence upon which they based their opinions.

127

Dr. Bronstein’s record noted that “inferior nerve vestibular neuritis is much more rare than the usual superior

nerve type.” Pet. Ex. 4 at 124.

128

Furman, supra note 10, at 3.

129

Robertson, supra note 14, at 6.

43

Dr. Tuohy does not provide a diagnosis for petitioner beyond an assertion that petitioner

developed persistent inner ear inflammation as a result of an autoimmune inner ear disease as the

“more reasonable” cause of petitioner’s chronic symptoms. Pet. Ex. 11 at 2, 4. Dr. Hicks, Dr.

Bigelow, and Dr. Collins agree petitioner does not have AIED. See Pet. Ex. 69 at 1; Resp. Ex. A

at 16; Resp. Ex. C at 5.

Dr. Hicks described and concluded that petitioner suffers from vestibular neuritis. Pet.

Ex. 13 at 5; Pet. Ex. 69 at 1; Pet. Ex. 75 at 1. He argued that petitioner’s primary care physician

misdiagnosed him with labyrinthitis, which has the same symptoms as vestibular neuritis but

includes hearing loss, which petitioner did not have. Pet. Ex. 75 at 4; see Pet. Ex. 69 at 1. Dr.

Hicks further argued that petitioner’s normal vestibular test results were unreliable. Pet. Ex. 75 at

2. To that end, he quoted Dr. Bronstein’s February 2015 letter in which he was “a little

suspicious” about the findings of the cVEMP test because it was a new test and he lacked

confidence in his own ability to interpret the six canal vHIT test. Id. at 2-3. Dr. Hicks suggested

that the other ordered testing, including oVEMP or posturography testing, could have identified

vestibular deficiency and malingering, but were not performed. Id. at 2.

Dr. Hicks disregarded the portion of Dr. Bronstein’s February 2015 letter in which he

concluded that migraines were a contributory factor and “definitely in the cards.” Dr. Bronstein

provided “two parallel possible interpretations”: inferior nerve vestibular neuritis130 with residual

symptoms perhaps not fully compensated due to migraine, or migraine with vestibular flavor.

Both interpretations include vestibular migraine. Pet. Ex. 4 at 124. Dr. Bronstein prescribed

Amitriptyline used to treat migraines and specific exercises for visuo-vestibular compensation in

the vertical plane. Id.

Dr. Hicks submitted that vestibular neuritis “is a clinical condition with a clinical

solution”, which requires thorough understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and

inner ear disorders and their differences. He has “treated thousands of patients with vestibular

disorders, including vestibular neuritis and how it differs from other inner ears disorders such as

labyrinthitis.” Dr. Hicks claimed the migraine medication prescribed to petitioner was

ineffective. Thus, vestibular neuritis is the more likely diagnosis based on his theory of HSV-1

reactivation. Pet. Ex. 69 at 6. Dr. Hicks wrote: “intranasal LAV vaccination > systemic spread >”

stress response” > reactivation of latent HSV-1 from geniculate ganglion and vestibular ganglion

> inner ear inflammatory response of superior vestibular nerve > acute vestibular symptoms –

vertigo, nausea, vomiting >acute treatment, none (no steroids provided) > delayed treatment,

vestibular suppressants for one month > failure of naturally occurring vestibular compensation >

chronic vestibular symptoms > lose job.” Pet. Ex. 69 at 6.

Drs. Bigelow and Collins opined that petitioner suffers from vestibular migraines,

agreeing with petitioner’s treaters, Drs. Low, Bronstein, and Khemani. Resp. Ex. A at 21; Resp.

Ex. C at 9. Drs. Bigelow and Collins relied on petitioner’s full medical records, vestibular

testing, personal history of vertigo and migraine, family history of migraine, and the nature and

course of petitioner’s symptoms.

130

Dr. Bronstein’s record noted that “inferior nerve vestibular neuritis is much more rare than the usual superior

nerve type.” Pet. Ex. 4 at 124.

44

Drs. Tuohy and Hicks and petitioner dispute the accuracy of petitioner’s documented

medical history. Dr. Tuohy claims that it is “untenable” that respondent’s experts embraced the

diagnosis of migrainous vertig

This text is long and has been trimmed here. Open the source document for the complete record.