The association between SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and transverse myelitis: A review

Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2022 Jun 9:79:103870. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.103870. eCollection 2022 Jul.

Abstract

In late 2019, the emergence of a new viral strain, later referred to as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) took the shape of a global pandemic, affecting millions of lives and deteriorating economies around the globe. Vaccines were developed at an exceptional rate to combat the viral desolation, all of them being rolled out once they displayed sufficient safety and efficacy. However, assorted adverse events came into attention, one of them being Transverse Myelitis (TM), an infrequent, immune-mediated, focal disease of the spinal cord. This disorder can lead to severe neurological complications including autonomic, sensory, and motor deficits. The literature aims to shed light on TM and its various etiologies, specifically in line with the vaccine, and a comprehensive treatment plan. Discussing and reducing the number of vaccines related adverse events can help succor in bringing down the vaccine hesitancy and ultimately combatting the pandemic.

Keywords: Coronavirus; Neurological manifestation; Transverse myelitis; Vaccine.

Publication types

  • Review