Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2025
Dynamic Visual Tests to Identify and Quantify Visual Damage and Repair Following Demyelination in Optic Neuritis Patients
Published on: April 14, 2014
Isolated Self-Limited Right Oculomotor Nerve Palsy With Positive Asialo-GM1 Antibody After SARS-CoV-2 mRNA
Ifeanyichukwu Ozobu1, Ethan Salter1, Sophia Salter1
1Neurology, Adventist Health White Memorial, Los Angeles, USA.
Abstract:
mRNA vaccines have been a critical tool in combating the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and demonstrated a high safety profile. However, rare cases of isolated oculomotor nerve palsy following vaccination have been reported. These few reported cases can be divided into two groups based on symptom onset: immediate and delayed. While most reported cases involving Pfizer and Moderna vaccines occurred within the first few days of vaccination, a few cases with delayed onset have also been described. We present a unique case of a patient experiencing isolated, unilateral oculomotor nerve palsy 14 days after receiving a Moderna booster shot. Notably, our case and a previously reported case of 17-day onset case share the interesting finding of positive ganglioside antibodies. This not only highlights the potential for unusual occurrences following COVID-19 vaccination but also opens up avenues for exploring the underlying mechanisms behind these events.
Insights
Rare oculomotor nerve palsy after COVID-19 vaccination can occur. This case highlights delayed onset and positive ganglioside antibodies, suggesting potential immune mechanisms following mRNA vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines for COVID-19 have a strong safety record.
- Rare instances of oculomotor nerve palsy (cranial nerve III palsy) have been reported post-vaccination.
Observation:
- This report details a unique case of isolated, unilateral oculomotor nerve palsy.
- The palsy occurred 14 days after a Moderna mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccination.
- The patient presented with delayed symptom onset, unlike most previously reported cases.
Findings:
- The patient tested positive for ganglioside antibodies.
- This finding is shared with another reported delayed-onset case, suggesting a potential link.
Implications:
- This case underscores the possibility of rare, delayed neurological adverse events following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.
- Investigating ganglioside antibodies may offer insights into the mechanisms of vaccine-induced oculomotor nerve palsy.
- Further research is needed to understand the immunological pathways involved in these rare events.
