Postvaccination Miller Fisher syndrome

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Guillain-Barré syndrome is a known postvaccination complication.
• Miller Fisher syndrome is a rare variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
• No prior cases of Miller Fisher syndrome were associated with the novel influenza A(H1N1) vaccine.

Observation:

• A 77-year-old woman developed ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia within two weeks of receiving influenza vaccines.
• Clinical presentation and disease course were consistent with Miller Fisher syndrome.
• Laboratory and imaging studies did not reveal an underlying infection.

Findings:

• The patient received two courses of intravenous immunoglobulin therapy.
• Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment resulted in significant clinical improvement.
• The patient's case aligns with the natural history of previously reported Miller Fisher syndrome cases.

Implications:

• This report documents the first association between the novel influenza A(H1N1) vaccine and Miller Fisher syndrome.
• Highlights the importance of considering rare neurological complications following vaccination.
• Contributes to the understanding of vaccine-associated neurological adverse events.