Initial multiple sclerosis presentation as optic neuritis following COVID-19 vaccination: A case report (preprint)

ABSTRACT

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has been largely controlled upon the extensive vaccination campaigns done by many countries all over the world, with great efficacy and few adverse effects reported. However, since the beginning of the vaccination campaigns, few autoimmune and neurological manifestations were reported. Case presentation A previously healthy 23 years old female presented with acute unilateral optic neuritis in the right eye that started one week after receiving the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The patient had blurred vision which was partial then progressed over two days to involve the whole visual field along with mild pain upon ocular movement with no doubling of vision. The patient reports no prior neurological manifestations before the onset of this condition. Clinical and radiological features proved the diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) later. The patient was treated with intra-venous Methylprednisolone and recovered well after few days of getting the treatment and was scheduled for follow-up to plan her further management. Conclusion This case may provide an association between COVID-19 vaccination and the development or triggering of MS. However, more data needs to be collected to look more in this regard.