Aseptic Meningitis after BNT-162b2 COVID-19 Vaccination: Case Report and Literature Review

Keio J Med. 2023 Dec 25;72(4):102-105. doi: 10.2302/kjm.2022-0034-CR. Epub 2023 Sep 23.

Abstract

We encountered a-27-year-old female patient who developed refractory severe headache and photophobia after the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Despite her prior history of migraine, we diagnosed COVID-19 vaccine-induced aseptic meningitis. Symptoms were significantly resolved after methylprednisolone therapy. On reviewing the literature, we could find only nine similar cases, with over half of them affecting women aged 20-40 years. Although uncommon, aseptic meningitis should be suspected in patients with persistent or delayed onset of headache following COVID-19 vaccination.

Keywords: adverse reaction; aseptic meningitis; covid-19 vaccine; steroid.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • BNT162 Vaccine* / adverse effects
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Headache / chemically induced
  • Humans
  • Meningitis, Aseptic* / chemically induced
  • Vaccination / adverse effects

Substances

  • BNT162 Vaccine