mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Linked to Rare Neurological Side Effects in Individuals with Epilepsy

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Immunology has shed light on the potential neurological side effects of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines in individuals with epilepsy. The research, conducted by a team of scientists led by Abdulkareem Shareef, found that while the vaccines have been instrumental in curbing the pandemic, concerns regarding neurological adverse effects, particularly in individuals with epilepsy (PWE), warrant scrutiny. The study, which examined clinical data from over 3000 PWE, revealed that most individuals tolerate vaccination well, but approximately 5% experience seizure worsening, often transient and lower than post-COVID-19 infection rates. Rare severe events, such as status epilepticus, highlight vulnerabilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The rapid rollout of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines has been instrumental in curbing the pandemic, but concerns regarding neurological adverse effects, particularly in individuals with epilepsy (PWE), warrant scrutiny.
  • Clinical data from over 3000 PWE indicate that most tolerate vaccination well, with seizure worsening in approximately 5% of cases, often transient and lower than post-COVID-19 infection rates.
  • Rare severe events, such as status epilepticus, highlight vulnerabilities in individuals with epilepsy.
  • The study suggests that potential triggers for seizures include cytokine storms, blood-brain barrier disruption, molecular mimicry with neuronal antigens, and autoantibody production.
  • Neurological side effects, including Bell's palsy, transverse myelitis, and herpes zoster reactivation, are more prevalent in mRNA platforms, potentially tied to LNP-induced inflammation or cross-reactive immunity.
  • The study emphasizes the need for future research to prioritize longitudinal studies, EEG monitoring, and AI-driven approaches for personalised risk assessment, mRNA optimisation, and pharmacovigilance.

Statistics:

  • 5% of individuals with epilepsy experience seizure worsening after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination
  • Over 3000 PWE were included in the clinical data examined by the study
  • Rare severe events, such as status epilepticus, occur in individuals with epilepsy after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination

Sources:

  • Shareef et al. (2025). Exploring Potential Mechanisms for Epilepsy After mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination: An Extremely Rare Side-Effect. Scandinavian Journal of Immunology, 102(4).
  • NewsRx. New COVID-19 Data Have Been Reported by Abdulkareem Shareef and Co-Authors (Exploring Potential Mechanisms for Epilepsy After mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination: An Extremely Rare Side-Effect). Biotech Business Week. November 3, 2025; p 56.