Severe Multiple Sclerosis Relapse After COVID-19 Vaccination: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Vaccinology

Background:

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
• The widespread implementation of COVID-19 vaccination programs necessitates understanding potential impacts on vulnerable populations, including MS patients.

Observation:

• A patient diagnosed with MS experienced an acute relapse approximately 48 hours after receiving the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
• Symptoms included paresthesia and weakness in the left arm and limbs, leading to walking difficulties.
• Neurological examination and MRI revealed three new, voluminous, enhancing lesions.

Findings:

• The patient's neurological symptoms fully recovered after a 5-day course of intravenous methylprednisolone.
• This case suggests a potential, albeit temporary, association between mRNA COVID-19 vaccination and MS relapse.

Implications:

• Further research is crucial to elucidate the benefit-risk ratio of COVID-19 vaccines in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.
• Monitoring and understanding vaccine-induced neurological events in MS patients are essential for public health strategies.