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Pfizer/BioNTech SARS-CoV-2 vaccine as a potential trigger for the development of narcolepsy: a case report
Ala Mahamid1, Robyn Jacob Bornstein2, Hagay Amir3
1Institute of Sleep Disorders, Loewenstein Rehabilitation Center, Raanana, Israel.
Summary
A case report details a 51-year-old woman diagnosed with narcolepsy with cataplexy after receiving the Pfizer/BioNTech SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. This is the first reported instance in Israel of type 1 narcolepsy following this vaccination.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Narcolepsy is a rare neurological disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy.
- The incidence of narcolepsy following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in Israel was previously unknown.
- Genetic, immunological, and environmental factors are implicated in narcolepsy development post-vaccination.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old woman presented with excessive daytime sleepiness and functional decline shortly after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
- Diagnostic evaluations, including polysomnography and multiple sleep latency testing, confirmed narcolepsy with cataplexy.
- Human leukocyte antigen testing was performed as part of the diagnostic workup.
Findings:
- The patient met the diagnostic criteria for type 1 narcolepsy.
- The temporal association suggests the Pfizer/BioNTech SARS-CoV-2 vaccine as a potential trigger.
- This case represents the first report of type 1 narcolepsy post-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in Israel.
Implications:
- This case report contributes valuable data to the understanding of potential adverse events following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
- It highlights the importance of continued surveillance for narcolepsy in vaccinated populations.
- Further research is warranted to investigate the immunological mechanisms linking SARS-CoV-2 vaccination to narcolepsy.
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