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A recent study published in the international journal Vaccine has revealed two new rare side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. Researchers working as part of the Global Vaccine Data Network identified acute disseminated encephalomyelitis – inflammation and swelling of the brain and spinal cord – linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine. The study also confirmed that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines prevent the rare cases of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the thin sac that covers the heart), in addition to Guillain-Barré syndrome (where the immune system attacks the nerves). There are side effects. and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (a type of blood clot in the brain) as rare side effects linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine. (Also read: Cardiologist says heart attack cases are increasing not because of Covid vaccine, but due to stress and other traditional factors)
The study involved more than 99 million people from Australia, Argentina, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, New Zealand and Scotland, with researchers confirming that the benefits of Covid-19 vaccines still ‘far outweigh the risks.’
Neurological disorders: acute disseminated encephalomyelitis
The first rare side effect found in the study is a neurological disorder called acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, which has been linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a neurological disorder characterized by brief but widespread attacks of swelling (inflammation) in the brain and spinal cord that causes damage to the myelin. Myelin is the white protective layer on nerves that helps with electrical nerve signaling.
Symptoms of ADEM include loss of vision in one or both eyes, extreme weakness, difficulty coordinating intended (voluntary) activities such as walking, rapid onset of fever, and some degree of loss of consciousness.
The Australian study found that there was a very low risk of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis at 0.78 cases per million doses, and 1.82 cases per million doses for transverse myelitis.
Inflammation of the spinal cord: transverse myelitis
Transverse myelitis is a neurological condition and is basically an inflammation of the spinal cord and is seen in people with autoimmune conditions. This can sometimes be a warning sign of multiple sclerosis.
Common symptoms of transverse myelitis are back or neck pain, weakness or change in sensation in the arms or legs, or loss of bladder or bowel control. High doses of steroids are used to suppress immune system activity and speed recovery.
According to this study the risk of developing transverse myelitis was 1.82 cases per million doses.
Covid vaccines played a key role in controlling the spread of the virus, but reports of its side effects, including its impact on the heart, have been widely debated. Typical side effects of the vaccine include pain at the injection site, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, chills, and diarrhea. In rare cases, inflammatory heart diseases such as myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) or pericarditis (inflammation of the outer layer of the heart) have been reported following vaccination with Pfizer or Novavax.
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