Axonal-Variant Guillian-Barre Syndrome Temporally Associated With mRNA-Based Moderna SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine

Cureus. 2021 Sep 26;13(9):e18291. doi: 10.7759/cureus.18291. eCollection 2021 Sep.

Abstract

We present a case of an 86-year-old woman who presented with a progressive quadriparesis two days after her second dose of Moderna SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) evidence of cytoalbuminocytological dissociation and electromyogram/nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS) findings suggestive of acute axonal motor neuropathy. Her clinical symptoms did not improve with plasmapheresis. There appears to be a potential temporal association between the inoculation of mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and the development of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS). Despite this possible association, infection prevention using highly effective mRNA-based vaccines remains highly recommended. Large epidemiological studies of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-related adverse events are needed. Physicians should be aware of this possible temporal association since the prompt diagnosis and treatment of GBS can drastically improve outcomes. The aim is to report a case of axonal-variant GBS that was temporally associated with an mRNA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.

Keywords: covid-19; gbs following covid-19 vaccine; gbs variant; mrna-1273 vaccine; sars-cov-2.

Publication types

  • Case Reports