Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 20, 2026

Induction and Clinical Scoring of Chronic-Relapsing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Published on: July 4, 2007
[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.
Introduction:
Neurological disorders secondary to the measles component of viral triple vaccine are not frequent. In spite of controversy regarding the cause, the clinical, diagnostic and legal implications are worth considering.
Clinical Case:
We present the case of a 16 month-old baby with a clinical picture of self-limiting acute encephalopathy characterized by cerebellar ataxia and alterations in behavior, accompanied by the clinical signs of attenuated measles. The negative results of complementary tests and an obvious time-relationship with a triple virus vaccination lead us to interpret the condition as being secondary to the measles component of the vaccine.
Conclusions:
We consider that although there is a low incidence of complications, the index of suspicion is also low, and even lower in cases with only minor neurological signs. It is therefore possible that such reactions are under-reported.
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