[Self-limited acute encephalopathy related to measles component of viral triple vaccine]

F Martinón-Torres1, M M Magariños, M Picón

  • 1Departamento de Pediatría, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, España. pdjmmsup@uscmail.usc.es

Insights

Neurological complications from the measles vaccine component are rare but possible. This case highlights acute encephalopathy in a 16-month-old, suggesting under-reporting of mild reactions.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Vaccinology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Neurological disorders following measles vaccination are infrequent but carry significant clinical, diagnostic, and legal implications.
  • The controversy surrounding vaccine-induced neurological conditions necessitates careful consideration.

Observation:

  • A 16-month-old infant presented with self-limiting acute encephalopathy, including cerebellar ataxia and behavioral changes.
  • The infant exhibited clinical signs consistent with attenuated measles infection.
  • Diagnostic tests were negative, with a clear temporal association to triple virus vaccination.

Findings:

  • The clinical presentation and temporal link suggest the encephalopathy was secondary to the measles component of the viral triple vaccine.
  • Cerebellar ataxia and behavioral alterations were key neurological signs observed.

Implications:

  • Despite low incidence, the index of suspicion for vaccine-related neurological complications, even mild ones, may be underestimated.
  • Such reactions might be under-reported, impacting accurate incidence data and clinical vigilance.
  • This case underscores the importance of considering vaccine-related adverse events in pediatric neurology.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

Arboviral Encephalitis

Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever01:26

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a severe tick-borne illness caused by Rickettsia rickettsii, a Gram-negative, coccobacillary bacterium. This pathogen is an obligate intracellular parasite, requiring a host cell for replication. Transmission occurs through the bite of an infected tick. In the United States, the most important vectors are Dermacentor variabilis (American dog tick) and Dermacentor andersoni (Rocky Mountain wood tick), though other tick species may also serve as vectors.
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...