Pfizer/BioNTech SARS-CoV-2 vaccine as a potential trigger for the development of narcolepsy: a case report
Abstract
Narcolepsy is a rare condition in Israel. Currently, the incidence of narcolepsy following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in Israel is unknown. We are reporting a case report of a 51-year-old woman of Ashkenazi Jewish descent who was evaluated for complaints of excessive daytime sleepiness and relative functional decline that immediately followed receipt of the Pfizer/BioNTech SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Evaluation of patient-reported data with polysomnography and multiple sleep latency test was consistent with narcolepsy with cataplexy, meeting the criteria for a diagnosis of type 1 narcolepsy. Further investigation included human leukocyte antigen testing. Prior studies have demonstrated genetic, immunological, and environmental factors associated with narcolepsy following other vaccinations. This case is a valuable contribution to the literature as there are no prior reports of type 1 narcolepsy following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in the State of Israel.
Citation: Mahamid A, Bornstein RJ, Amir H. Pfizer/BioNTech SARS-CoV-2 vaccine as a potential trigger for the development of narcolepsy: a case report. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(10):2503-2506.
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