Vaccine-Induced Functional Neurological Disorders in the Covid-19 Era.
Aaron de SouzaRainha JacquesSangeeth MohanPublished in: The Canadian journal of neurological sciences. Le journal canadien des sciences neurologiques (2022)
The large amount of information available to the public regarding vaccines against Covid-19 coupled with pandemic stress and increased somatic attention could potentially precipitate development of functional neurological disorders (FNDs) following vaccination. A growing number of reports indicate that functional symptoms may follow Covid-19 vaccination, similar to those observed with other vaccines previously. We review previously reported cases of FND following vaccination against Covid-19 and present three additional cases. While two patients presented to the Emergency Department with functional movement disorders, one patient presented with protracted limb weakness and sensory dysfunction. The superficial resemblance to Guillain-Barré syndrome, a known but uncommon complication of vaccination prompted an extensive workup. Clinicians need to convey the diagnosis of FND in clear and unequivocal terms to facilitate institution of appropriate therapy and rehabilitation, but importantly also to dispel any doubts in the minds of the public regarding the safety of the available vaccines. Given the presence of significant vaccine hesitancy in many countries, this is critical to the success of the global immunisation effort.
Keyphrases
- coronavirus disease
- sars cov
- emergency department
- end stage renal disease
- healthcare
- respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- chronic kidney disease
- ejection fraction
- newly diagnosed
- case report
- mental health
- stem cells
- peritoneal dialysis
- gene expression
- palliative care
- patient reported outcomes
- working memory
- cell therapy
- endothelial cells
- stress induced
- patient reported
- subarachnoid hemorrhage
- smoking cessation