ABSTRACT
Objective: Outbreak of novel coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) began in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and became global pandemic by March 2020. Federal Drug administration (FDA) has approved three vaccines for prevention of COVID-19 infection. Multiple neurological complications have been reported following vaccine administration. In July 2021 FDA issued warning about increased risk of Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) following Johnson and Johnson (J&J) vaccine and since then cases have been reported during clinical trials. Here we report a real life case of GBS after receiving single dose of J&J vaccine. Background: A 53 year old female presented to emergency department with progressive bilateral symmetric proximal more than distal upper and lower extremity weakness, with bilateral ascending paresthesia's, 14 days after receiving the J&J COVID-19 vaccination. Exam consistent with motor strength 4/5 in hip flexors/extensors bilaterally, 4/5 knee extensors/flexors, 4/5 plantar flexion, 4/5 dorsiflexion bilaterally, 4/5 shoulder abductors/adductors, 4/5 elbow extensor/flexors, 2+ patellar reflex, 1+ Achilles tendon reflex bilaterally and decrease sensation to light touch and pinprick in lower extremities till mid-thigh bilaterally. MRI of the Lumbar Spine with and without contrast revealed subtle enhancement of the cauda equina nerve roots suggestive of Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy. CSF analysis consistent with mildly elevated protein 48, nucleated cell count of 0, glucose of 52. Negative GM1 and Gq1b antibodies. Due to the high suspicion for Guillain-Barre syndrome the patient was started on IVIG. After 5 days of treatment the patient had significant improvement and was discharged to rehab facility. Design/Methods: NA Results: NA Conclusions: As we continue mass vaccinations for COVID-19 prevention, clinicians should be able to recognize potential complications and side effects associated with COVID-19 vaccination and must educate and reassure their patients regarding the safety and rationale of COVID-19 vaccination because the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks of COVID-19 infection and associated morbidity and mortality.