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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Migraine | Case report

Prolonged migraine aura resembling ischemic stroke following CoronaVac vaccination: an extended case series

Authors: Nijasri C. Suwanwela, Naruchorn Kijpaisalratana, Supatporn Tepmongkol, Wanakorn Rattanawong, Pongpat Vorasayan, Chutibhorn Charnnarong, Jarturon Tantivattana, Sirigunya Roongruang, Tatchaporn Ongphichetmetha, Poonnakarn Panjasriprakarn, Aurauma Chutinet, Wasan Akarathanawat, Jeffrey L. Saver

Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain | Issue 1/2022

Abstract

Background

After the initiation of the COVID-19 vaccination program in Thailand, thousands of patients have experienced unusual focal neurological symptoms. We report 8 patients with focal neurological symptoms after receiving inactivated virus vaccine, CoronaVac.

Case series

Patients were aged 24–48 years and 75% were female. Acute onset of focal neurological symptoms occurred within the first 24 h after vaccination in 75% and between 1-7d in 25%. All presented with lateralized sensory deficits, motor deficits, or both, of 2–14 day duration. Migraine headache occurred in half of the patients. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain during and after the attacks did not demonstrate any abnormalities suggesting ischemic stroke. All patients showed moderately large regions of hypoperfusion and concurrent smaller regions of hyperperfusion on SPECT imaging while symptomatic. None developed permanent deficits or structural brain injury.

Discussions

Here, we present a case series of transient focal neurological syndrome following Coronavac vaccination. The characteristic sensory symptoms, history of migraine, female predominant, and abnormal functional brain imaging without structural changes suggest migraine aura as pathophysiology. We propose that pain related to vaccine injection, component of vaccine, such as aluminum, or inflammation related to vaccination might trigger migraine aura in susceptible patients.

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Title: Prolonged migraine aura resembling ischemic stroke following CoronaVac vaccination: an extended case series
Authors: Nijasri C. Suwanwela
Naruchorn Kijpaisalratana
Supatporn Tepmongkol
Wanakorn Rattanawong
Pongpat Vorasayan
Chutibhorn Charnnarong
Jarturon Tantivattana
Sirigunya Roongruang
Tatchaporn Ongphichetmetha
Poonnakarn Panjasriprakarn
Aurauma Chutinet
Wasan Akarathanawat
Jeffrey L. Saver
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: Springer Milan
Keywords: Migraine
Stroke
Mood Disorders
Vaccination
Affective Disorder
COVID-19
Aura
Headache
Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain / Issue 1/2022
Print ISSN: 1129-2369
Electronic ISSN: 1129-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-022-01385-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Prolonged migraine aura resembling ischemic stroke following CoronaVac vaccination: an extended case series

Abstract

Background

Case series

Discussions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case series

Discussions

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