The Personal battle: A Firefighter’s ALS Diagnosis

Sylvain Lago, a dedicated professional firefighter officer in Brest, faces an immense challenge: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Charcot’s disease. Despite the daunting prognosis, Lago’s spirit remains unbroken, fueled by the unwavering support of his colleagues, family, and partner. He confronts speech and swallowing difficulties, acknowledging the uncertain future while determinedly continuing his life.

I have speech and swallowing problems. My last visit to the neurologist taught me that it does not evolve beyond. Life continues, even if my future is not the most pink.

Investigating Potential Links: Vaccine and ALS

The question of what triggered Lago’s ALS diagnosis looms large. He received his second COVID-19 vaccine booster in December 2021, and speech problems emerged approximately three weeks later.While acknowledging he was not previously anti-vax or conspiracy theorist, Lago can’t dismiss the potential connection. This mirrors concerns raised by others experiencing health issues post-vaccination.

According to the ALS Association, the cause of ALS is still unknown, but scientists have discovered that genetics, environment, and lifestyle may all play a role. While most cases of ALS are sporadic, meaning they occur randomly, about 5-10% of cases are familial, meaning they are inherited.

Elisabeth polard, a pharmacist and manager at the Regional Pharmacovigilance Center in Rennes, notes that, alongside Lago’s case, another instance of ALS appeared after a COVID vaccine. However, she emphasizes that these two cases in Brittany are insufficient to draw definitive conclusions.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rare neurodegenerative disease whose etiology (origin) is not yet known.

Elisabeth Polard, Regional Pharmacovigilance Center in Rennes

Seeking Answers and Support: The Aavic-Team Association

Lago’s quest for answers has led him to the Aavic-Team association, based in Allier. This group unites over 750 members across France, including 31 in Brittany, who attribute various health issues – myalgic encephalomyelitis, cancers, myocarditis, gynecological, hearing, or visual symptoms – to long COVID or vaccine side effects.The association is pursuing legal avenues, filing complaints against X to seek recognition of their suffering and state support.

The association hopes that the complaints against X of its members will make things happen. I am ready to hear everything.But I want supported answers, insists Sylvain Lago.

The Scientific Outlook: Caution and the Need for Further Research

Health professionals urge caution in drawing causal links between COVID-19 vaccines and ALS based on limited data. While not dismissing the possibility entirely, current evidence doesn’t support a direct connection. Further investigation, including consultation wiht ALS experts and dedicated scientific programs, is necessary to validate or refute the hypothesis. However, resources at the national drug safety agency and health products may be directed towards other priorities.

With current data, we do not retain the signal from a link between the two events. This does not permanently deviate from the accountability of the disease to the vaccine.

The Road Ahead: Patience and the Pursuit of Truth

For Sylvain Lago and others seeking answers, the journey may require considerable patience. The complexities of ALS and the challenges of establishing definitive links to external factors demand rigorous scientific inquiry and open dialogue. The pursuit of truth and the provision of support for those affected remain paramount.