SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination-Induced Transverse Myelitis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Vaccinology
• Immunology

Background:

• Mass vaccination campaigns for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are critical for global public health.
• Emerging safety concerns and adverse events following immunization require thorough investigation.

Observation:

• A case report details a healthy young woman with no prior medical history.
• She received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine under emergency use authorization.

Findings:

• The patient developed transverse myelitis and Bell's palsy post-vaccination.
• Alternative causes for her neurological symptoms were excluded.
• Successful treatment involved corticosteroids and plasma exchange.

Implications:

• This case highlights potential rare neurological adverse events associated with COVID-19 vaccination.
• It underscores the importance of monitoring vaccine safety and prompt clinical evaluation of post-vaccination symptoms.
• Early intervention with specific therapies can lead to favorable outcomes in managing these rare events.