Association of acute cerebellar ataxia and human papilloma virus vaccination: a case report

Neuropediatrics. 2013 Oct;44(5):265-7. doi: 10.1055/s-0033-1333873. Epub 2013 Feb 1.

Abstract

Introduction: We report the case of a patient who developed symptoms of acute cerebellar ataxia (ACA) after administration of the human papilloma virus (HPV)-16/18 vaccine.

Patient and method: This patient developed symptoms of ACA, including nausea, vertigo, severe limb and truncal ataxia, and bilateral spontaneous continuous horizontal nystagmus with irregular rhythm, 12 days after administration of the HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted cervical cancer vaccine. After this, the patient received methylprednisolone pulse and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapies as well as immunoadsorption plasmapheresis.

Results: Severe ACA symptoms did not improve after methylprednisolone pulse and IVIG therapies, but the patient recovered completely after immunoadsorption plasmapheresis.

Conclusion: This temporal association strongly suggests that ACA was induced by the vaccination.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Cerebellar Ataxia / chemically induced*
  • Cerebellar Ataxia / therapy
  • Child
  • Female
  • Human papillomavirus 16 / immunology
  • Humans
  • Papillomavirus Vaccines / adverse effects*
  • Plasmapheresis
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vaccination / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Papillomavirus Vaccines