Vaccine-Induced Functional Neurological Disorders in the Covid-19 Era

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Public Health

Background:

• Increased public information on COVID-19 vaccines, pandemic stress, and heightened somatic awareness may contribute to functional neurological disorders (FNDs) post-vaccination.
• Reports suggest functional symptoms following COVID-19 vaccination mirror those seen with other vaccine types.
• Functional neurological disorders (FNDs) are increasingly recognized following COVID-19 vaccination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing cases of FND post-COVID-19 vaccination.
• To present three new cases of FND following COVID-19 vaccination.
• To emphasize the importance of clear diagnosis and communication regarding FND and vaccine safety.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of reported FND cases after COVID-19 vaccination.
• Clinical case series presentation of three new patients with post-vaccination FND.
• Differential diagnosis, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, was considered.

Main Results:

• Two patients presented with functional movement disorders.
• One patient experienced protracted limb weakness and sensory dysfunction.
• The diagnostic workup confirmed FND, distinguishing it from rare vaccine complications like Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Conclusions:

• Functional neurological disorders can manifest after COVID-19 vaccination.
• Accurate and clear communication of the FND diagnosis is crucial for effective therapy and rehabilitation.
• Addressing public concerns about vaccine safety is essential for global immunization success, especially given vaccine hesitancy.