LONDON: Recent medical reports have identified isolated cases of brain inflammation, or encephalitis, occurring in individuals after receiving just one dose of a COVID‑19 vaccine—though experts stress such events remain exceedingly rare.
Clinicians in several countries documented patients experiencing symptoms like severe headaches, confusion, seizures, or altered consciousness in the week following their first jab. In most cases, patients recovered fully after hospital treatment, including supportive care and anti-inflammatory medications.
Health authorities are closely reviewing these incidents, but continue to emphasise that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks. For every million doses administered, the occurrence of encephalitis appears to be less than a handful—far lower than the risk of neurological damage from COVID‑19 infection itself.
Vaccination safety boards are urging healthcare providers and recipients to report any unusual neurological symptoms post-vaccination. Early detection, they say, is key to ensuring prompt treatment and full recovery.
Immunologists point out that inflammation is a known, albeit rare, immune response to vaccines. They advise that public messaging should remain transparent—acknowledging rare side effects while reaffirming that vaccines remain essential for controlling the pandemic.
For patients with a history of severe neurological reactions, doctors recommend a cautious approach—evaluating benefits and risks before administering further doses.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
