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Case report
Guillain-Barré syndrome after COVID-19 vaccination
  1. Norma McKean1,2 and
  2. Charmaine Chircop1,2
  1. 1Department of Neurosciences, Mater Dei Hospital, Msida, Malta
  2. 2Department of Medicine, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
  1. Correspondence to Dr Norma McKean; norma.mckean{at}gov.mt

Abstract

We report a case of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) occurring soon after the first dose of Vaxzevria (previously known as COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca). Thus far, there has been no evidence of an increased risk of GBS resulting from either COVID-19 infection nor from COVID-19 vaccines; however, individual cases and population cohorts should be scrutinised, in order to ensure the constant evaluation of such risks. It is as yet not possible to draw conclusions about any significant association between COVID-19 vaccination and GBS. A temporal correlation does not imply, and should not be deemed to signify, causality. However, it is important to remain vigilant, so that any potential increased risk is properly evaluated. The specific presentation of bifacial weakness as the initial symptom may be a characteristic feature of GBS in the context of recent COVID-19 vaccination.

  • neurology
  • peripheral nerve disease
  • public health
  • COVID-19
  • immunological products and vaccines

This article is made freely available for use in accordance with BMJ’s website terms and conditions for the duration of the covid-19 pandemic or until otherwise determined by BMJ. You may use, download and print the article for any lawful, non-commercial purpose (including text and data mining) provided that all copyright notices and trade marks are retained.

https://bmj.com/coronavirus/usage

https://doi.org/10.1136/bcr-2021-244125

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    Footnotes

    • Contributors NM—author, literature review, write up and editing, data interpretation and videography. CC—author, literature review, write up and editing, data interpretation and videography.

    • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

    • Competing interests None declared.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.