The Impact of COVID-19 and Vaccine on the Human Nervous System

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has precipitated a global health crisis of unprecedented proportions. Due to its severe impact, multiple COVID-19 vaccines are being developed, approved, and manufactured rapidly. However, some serious adverse events (AEs) were reported after the application of them, significantly increasing concerns about the safety and efficacy of the vaccines and doubts about the necessity of vaccination. Particularly, previous vaccination campaigns have shown us that partial vaccination can induce neurologic AEs. Herein, we discussed in depth the involvement of the nervous system during SARS-CoV-2 infection or after vaccination. On the one hand, COVID-19 could pose an enormous threat to human neurological health through direct infection and indirect neurotoxicity effects. On the other hand, our review indicated that only a few serious neurological AEs following vaccination occurred and among which headache was the most common. Moreover, some neurological AEs do not seem to be related to vaccination. Of course, the causal relationships between several vaccines and AEs are considered plausible and, it is not doubtful that these AEs should be taken seriously by clinicians in assessing the potential risks and benefits of vaccinations in special populations. Nevertheless, in the case of the rapid spread of COVID-19, the potential side effects of vaccination on nervous system should be compared with adverse COVID-19 outcomes rather than being considered alone. Thus, it is obviously a wise option to be vaccinated instead of suffering from serious adverse symptoms of virus infection.

Development and exacerbation of autoimmune hemolytic anemia following COVID‐19 vaccination: A systematic review

“… 5 , 6 , 7 However, various adverse events such as thrombotic thrombocytopenia, thyroid dysfunctions, neurologic disorders, and myocarditis have been reported after COVID‐19 vaccination. 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 Development of the new‐onset and exacerbation of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) were also reported after COVID‐19 vaccination. Thereby, thorough monitoring of the adverse effects of vaccination is required.…”

“…The results from some studies indicate that the current available COVID‐19 vaccines are overall efficient and safe 5–7 . However, various adverse events such as thrombotic thrombocytopenia, thyroid dysfunctions, neurologic disorders, and myocarditis have been reported after COVID‐19 vaccination 8–11 . Development of the new‐onset and exacerbation of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) were also reported after COVID‐19 vaccination.…”

Bibliometric analysis of publication trends and topics of influenza‐related encephalopathy from 2000 to 2022

“…During the COVID‐19 period, there was a severe lack of screening and detection for influenza A 57,58 . Besides, adverse events of the COVID‐19 vaccine, such as neurotoxic side effects, led to a decrease in people's willingness to vaccinate against the influenza vaccine 59–61 . Nonpharmaceutical interventions during the COVID‐19 epidemic may lower the body's immunity to the influenza A virus 62 .…”

Exploring the multifaceted potential of (R)-ketamine beyond antidepressant applications

“…Increasing evidence suggests that the novel coronavirus infection may have adverse effects on the central nervous system (CNS), causing psychiatric and neurological symptoms in those infected ( Chen et al, 2022 ). The endoplasmic reticulum chaperone protein σ-1 receptor is crucial for the replication of the novel coronavirus in host cells and is considered a potential therapeutic target for COVID-19 patients ( Gordon et al, 2020a ; Gordon et al, 2020b ).…”