Guillain-Barré Syndrome Variant Occurring after SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination

Ann Neurol. 2021 Aug;90(2):315-318. doi: 10.1002/ana.26144. Epub 2021 Jul 2.

Abstract

Although SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are very safe, we report 4 cases of the bifacial weakness with paresthesias variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) occurring within 3 weeks of vaccination with the Oxford-AstraZeneca SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. This rare neurological syndrome has previously been reported in association with SARS-CoV-2 infection itself. Our cases were given either intravenous immunoglobulin, oral steroids, or no treatment. We suggest vigilance for cases of bifacial weakness with paresthesias variant GBS following vaccination for SARS-CoV-2 and that postvaccination surveillance programs ensure robust data capture of this outcome, to assess for causality. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:315-318.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 Vaccines / administration & dosage
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / adverse effects*
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / chemically induced*
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prednisolone / administration & dosage
  • Vaccination / adverse effects
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Prednisolone