Virginia Research Day 2025

Medical Student Research Case Reports

20 Post-Influenza Vaccination Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review

Kendyl E. Fahmy, MS, OMSIII; Shikshya Baral, DO Corresponding author: kefahmy@vcom.edu

Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by acute polyneuropathy, leading to progressive weakness, sensory deficits, and potential respiratory compromise. GBS following influenza vaccination is extremely rare, with an estimated incidence of approximately 1-2 cases per million doses administered. We present a case of a

66-year-old female who developed bilateral lower extremity weakness and sensory deficits five weeks after receiving an influenza vaccination. During hospitalization, she exhibited ascending paralysis and significant pain, with a clinical evaluation confirming the diagnosis of GBS. This case outlines the natural

progression of GBS and underscores the importance of considering GBS as a potential, though rare, adverse event following influenza vaccination. The authors received patient consent to use their data for this report.

112