CNS Complications Following COVID-19 Vaccines: an Egyptian Case Series

ABSTRACT

Background: Despite the perceived safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, many reports worldwide highlighted the development of many complications involving CNS. Ischemia, new onset demyelination, and exacerbation of preexisting demyelinating conditions were among the most reported ones. The aim of this study is to report a series of Egyptian patients who developed either first episode of CNS ischemia, demyelination, or exacerbation of a preexisting demyelinating condition after receiving one of the approved COVID-19 vaccines. Material(s) and Method(s) Prospective collection of cases presenting with different CNS complications in temporal association with receiving one of the approved COVID vaccines in the period between December 2021 and March 2022. All patients presented for consultation at Alexandria University Neuroimmunology unit. Result(s) We identified 8 cases with post- vaccine CNS complications. There were 5 females and 3 males, and their ages ranged from 24-60 years. Their symptoms developed after an interval ranging from 3 days up to 4 weeks after the first (n= 3) or second dose of vaccine (n=5). All except one patient were diagnosed as either new onset MS or exacerbation of a preexisting MS. The last case was diagnosed as spinal cord infarction. Conclusion(s) This series adds to the growing literature of the possible association between COVID-19 vaccines and development/ exacerbation of CNS demyelination or ischemia. More data with long-term follow up is needed to establish or refute the causal relationship but meanwhile counseling patients without discouraging vaccination is advised.Copyright © 2022