A review of the potential neurological adverse events of COVID-19 vaccines

Acta Neurol Belg. 2023 Feb;123(1):9-44. doi: 10.1007/s13760-022-02137-2. Epub 2022 Nov 16.

Abstract

Despite the advantages of getting access to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, their potential ability to induce severe adverse events (AEs) has been a significant concern. Neurological complications are significant among the various adverse events following immunization (AEFI) due to their likely durability and debilitating sequelae. Neurological AEs following COVID-19 vaccination can either exacerbate or induce new-onset neuro-immunologic diseases, such as myasthenia gravis (MG) and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). The more severe spectrum of AEs post-COVID19 vaccines has included seizures, reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, strokes, GBS, Bell's palsy, transverse myelitis (TM), and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Here, we discuss each of these neurological adverse effects separately.

Keywords: Adverse event; COVID-19; Neurologic; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • COVID-19*
  • Disease Progression
  • Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated*
  • Facial Paralysis*
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome*
  • Humans

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines