Guillian-Barré Syndrome Following Vaccination with Covishield Vaccine: An Adverse Event of Special Interest

Several formulations of vaccines against novel coronavirus have been launched. Thereby, increasing the plausibility of having one or more successful vaccines. India put in place the world’s largest Covid-19 vaccination drive in January 2021. However, the side effects of these vaccines are slowly unfolding. Each new vaccine has potential adverse events of special interest (AESI) that warrant a focused evaluation. We report a very rare neurological complication Guillain-Barré syndrome, immediately following the first dose of COVID vaccination in a young female. An apparently healthy 35 years old female presented with acute onset lower backache, weakness of bilateral lower limbs 11 days after receiving the first dose of Covishield vaccine, which rapidly ascended to upper limbs over 5 days with symmetric motor weakness, power 1/5 in bilateral lower limbs, 3/5 in bilateral upper limbs, with absent deep tendon reflexes. Mild sensory involvement was seen. Evolving dysphagia and hoarseness of voice. Bladder/bowel function, respiratory pattern, and hemodynamics were unaffected. A provisional diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome was made on basis of clinical presentation, neurological examination, and nerve conduction studies suggesting axonal polyneuropathy. Gradual improvement of the muscle power over the next 2 weeks following Human Intravenous immunoglobulin was seen. The risk-benefit analysis for an individual should be considered prior to Covid-19 vaccination, including the implementation of a pre-vaccination screening checklist to ensure vaccine safety for every vaccine recipient. The vaccine continues to be far more beneficial than detrimental for the public at large. Nonetheless, increased awareness amongst healthcare professionals and the public regarding the potential adverse effects of the vaccine is warranted.