Aseptic meningoencephalitis after COVID-19 vaccination: A case report
Shwan A. Ahmad, Bestoon Kh Salih, Karokh F. Hama Hussein, Tomas M. Mikael, Fahmi H. Kakamad, Abdulwahid M. Salih
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Several types of vaccine have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aims to report the first case of meningoencephalitis after receiving the second dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. CASE REPORT: A 62-year-old lady presented with headache, fever and rigor for 4 days. She had acute confessional state and inability to talk. She was conscious, disoriented, not obeying commands. Acyclovir vial IV 750 mg three times a day for 14 days were prescribed. She responded very well. DISCUSSION: Concern has been raised about the safety of vaccinations. The most common side effects of COVID-19 vaccinations are local responses at the injection site, followed by non-specific systemic symptoms such as headache, tiredness, myalgia, and fever. These may appear shortly after immunization and disappear in a short period of time CONCLUSION: Although extremely rare, aseptic meningoencephalitis could occur after COVID-19 vaccination. The patient could be managed conservatively with a good clinical outcome.