Neurologic Sequela of COVID-19: Guillain-Barré Syndrome Following Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccination

Guillain-Barré syndrome after Pfizer and Astra-Zeneca vaccinations against COVID-19 has been previously reported in the literature. The objective of this study was to report the first case of Guillain-Barré following the COVID-19 vaccination with the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. We report the case of a 53-year-old female who presented to the Emergency Department complaining of bilateral lower extremity weakness, paresthesias, and gait difficulties 14 days after having received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccination. MRI of the lumbar spine with and without contrast revealed enhancement of the cauda equina nerve roots suggestive of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis reported mildly elevated protein low white blood cells (WBCs). Ganglioside (GM1 and GQ1b) antibodies were reported as negative. After intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), the patient had significant improvement in her weakness and paresthesia and was discharged home. The case was reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. Guillain-Barré syndrome after COVID-19 immunization remains a rare complication. A clear mechanism of disease has not been clarified; however, it is believed that there could be some type of molecular mimicry between the spike glycoprotein produced with the help of the vaccines and proteins in the myelin sheath.