Systematic Review on Neurological Complications Associated with COVID Vaccination

Abstract

Background: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), which first appeared in 2019 and turned into a pandemic in 2020. But reports of neurological side effects after immunisation have sparked questions about the safety of vaccines. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the prevalence and types of neurological complications correlated with COVID-19 vaccinations.

Methods: All case studies of COVID-19 vaccine-associated neurological side effects were included in the extensive search that was carried out across databases, including medRxiv, PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Google Scholar. The search was limited to publications published between December 1, 2020, and May 20, 2024. PRISMA-eligible articles comprised peer-reviewed publications, case reports, cohort studies, and clinical trials on neurological problems after COVID-19 immunization. Data extraction was done with an emphasis on patient demographics, time to onset, neurological outcomes, and vaccine types. The included studies were evaluated using standardised criteria.

Results: The findings revealed a total of 1908 studies. However, immunisations can cause mild to severe neurological complications. Transverse myelitis (TM), Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), multiple sclerosis (MS), Bell's palsy (BP) and cerebrovascular events were the neurological consequences that were most frequently documented. The most common implications were Bell's palsy and GBS, both of which had a low incidence. Neurological effects usually began weeks after inoculation. Possible pathways include immune-mediated responses and molecular mimicry.

Conclusion: As a result of receiving the COVID-19 immunisation, neurological side effects are uncommon. The advantages of immunisation surpass the dangers of these unfavourable outcomes in terms of preventing severe COVID-19. Ensuring the safety of vaccines requires ongoing monitoring and reporting of neurological adverse effects.  To further understand the mechanisms causing these problems and to enhance vaccine safety protocols, more investigation is required