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Clinical research has shown that Guillain-Barré syndrome, a very rare neurological disease (less than one in ten thousand), has occurred in some people who have received the AstraZeneca vaccine.
What is this syndrome and what are its symptoms that require a visit to the doctor? The answer according to the German DW:
The European Medicines Agency has announced that it has classified Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disease, among the “very rare” side effects of the AstraZeneca vaccine against COVID-19. The agency said in a statement as of July 31, 833 cases of the neurological syndrome had been reported worldwide, while as of July 25, more than 592 million doses of the Vaxyphria vaccine, produced by AstraZeneca, had been administered.
“The Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) concluded that a causal relationship between the Vaccyvera vaccine and Guillain-Barré syndrome is at least a reasonable possibility,” the statement said.
The Amsterdam-based agency added: “Guillain-Barré syndrome should therefore be added to the product information as a side effect of Vaxsyphria.” She explained that the risk of this side effect is “extremely rare”, less than one in ten thousand.
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare disease in which the immune system attacks the nerves. Usually the first symptoms appear as tingling and weakness in the limbs.
These symptoms spread quickly until the whole body is paralyzed. Guillain-Barré syndrome is considered a medical emergency if it is severe. Most people with this disease are hospitalized for treatment.
Guillain-Barré syndrome often begins with numbness and weakness that begins in the feet and legs and spreads to the upper body and arms. Symptoms start in the arms or face in about 10% of people with this disorder. As Guillain-Barré syndrome progresses, muscle weakness can progress to paralysis.
Symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome, according to the Mayo Clinic, include:
Sensation of numbness or pins and needles tingling in fingers, toes, ankles and wrists.
Weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper body.
Unbalanced walking or inability to walk or climb stairs.
Difficulty with facial movements, including speaking, chewing, or swallowing.
Double vision or inability to move the eyes.
Sudden, severe pain or cramping or muscle tension that may get worse at night.
Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel function.
Heartbeat.
Low or high blood pressure.
– Breathing difficulties.
People with Guillain-Barré syndrome usually reach their most vulnerable stage within two weeks of onset of symptoms.
Read more: Low or high blood pressure is a symptom of Guillain-Barré syndrome
The agency recommended updating the warning added in July to product information to raise awareness among healthcare professionals and those vaccinated about the risks.
The warning also reminds patients to seek immediate medical attention if they develop weakness or paralysis of the extremities that may extend to the chest and face. In July, the agency listed the same syndrome as a “very rare” side effect of the “Johnson & Johnson” vaccine against Covid-19, which is similar to the AstraZeneca vaccine which uses the same technology.
In the United States, the US Medicines Agency warned in July against an “increased risk” of Guillain-Barré syndrome in people who have received the “Johnson & Johnson” vaccine against Covid-19. But both agencies stressed that the benefits of both vaccines far outweigh their potential risks.
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