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Abstract
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare immune-mediated disorder of the peripheral nerves. Although its cause is not fully understood, the syndrome often follows infection with a virus or bacteria, although in rare occasions, vaccination may precede GBS. We describe a case of a 62-year-old woman who presented with paraesthesia and progressive weakness of both lower limbs over 3 days. Clinical examination and investigation findings including lumbar puncture and nerve conduction studies were consistent with the diagnosis of GBS. She had no history of either diarrhoea or respiratory tract infections preceding her presentation. However, she had her first intramuscular dose of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine 11 days prior to her presentation. Although no direct link could be ascertained, the purpose of this report is to highlight the incidence and consider this issue while evaluating any case of GBS in the light of the current pandemic and vaccination programme.
- COVID-19
- immunological products and vaccines
- vaccination/immunisation
- peripheral nerve disease
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Footnotes
Contributors TH and MK: took the initiative to write this case report, having been involved in the patient’s care directly. TH: Planning and designing. MK and FK: wrote the introduction, case presentation, investigation and treatment sections. They collected the data including investigation findings after taking consent from the patient. TH: involved in writing the differentials, discussion and learning points. TH: edited major portions of other sections. All three of them were involved in proof reading and making corrections. Following this, TH formatted the case report and images according to BMJ Case Reports Journal requirements. GH: responsible for supervising the project. He made valuable suggestions and modifications.
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.