Acute Worsening of Atypical Parkinson's Syndrome After Receiving Second Dose of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Atypical Parkinson's syndromes are a rare set of neurodegenerative conditions in which a patient experiences the typical symptoms of Parkinson's disease, in addition to various other unrelated issues. CASE PRESENTATION We present the case of a 71-year-old White man with a 1-year history of weakness and upper extremity tremors that, per patient report, rapidly worsened after receiving the second dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. His symptoms were consistent with an asymmetric atypical Parkinson's disease, with electromyogram results indicating chronic motor neuron involvement. DISCUSSION: There have been multiple reports of deterioration in patients with Parkinson's disease and atypical Parkinson's syndromes in response to contracting COVID-19. However, there are few, if any, case reports that describe an acute change in Parkinson-related symptoms in association with the COVID-19 vaccines. CONCLUSIONS: As the pandemic continues, we must continue to remain vigilant as we learn more about the long-lasting effects of the virus and vaccines.