Deaths Related to New-Onset Seizures After Vaccination

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Forensic Pathology

Background:

• Adverse events following vaccination are recognized, ranging from mild to severe.
• The rapid development of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines necessitates careful monitoring for potential vaccine-associated adverse events.
• Informed decision-making regarding vaccination requires a thorough understanding of risks versus benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss post-vaccination seizures, with a specific focus on COVID-19 vaccinations.
• To analyze cases where new-onset seizures following vaccination may have contributed to death.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of two cases involving new-onset seizures shortly after vaccination.
• Presentation of case specifics, including clinical work-up and autopsy findings.
• Evaluation of factors contributing to death, distinguishing between vaccine-related and other causes.

Main Results:

• One case involved death certified by a primary care physician without implicating COVID-19 vaccination.
• A second case, certified by a medical examiner, identified simultaneous COVID-19 and influenza vaccination as contributory to death.
• Autopsy findings and clinical data were analyzed for each case.

Conclusions:

• Determining vaccine-induced new-onset seizure disorder requires ruling out alternative explanations for seizures.
• While temporal association alone is insufficient, it becomes significant when combined with the absence of other causes and supporting literature.
• A causal role for vaccination in seizure-related deaths can be ascribed under specific circumstances.