Stroke after varicella vaccination

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pediatrics
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Varicella vaccination is a common pediatric immunization.
• Acute hemiparesis is a rare but serious neurological complication.

Observation:

• Two children developed acute hemiparesis weeks after varicella vaccination.
• Neurological imaging revealed unilateral basal ganglia and internal capsule infarction.

Findings:

• The infarction pattern suggests varicella angiopathy, a known complication.
• Both children had a small patent foramen ovale (PFO).
• One child had severe iron-deficiency anemia, a potential contributing factor.

Implications:

• This case series highlights a potential link between varicella vaccination and stroke in children.
• Patent foramen ovale and anemia may be risk factors for vaccine-associated neurological events.
• Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and incidence of this rare adverse effect.