There is currently no evidence that having epilepsy is associated with an increased risk of side effects from any vaccine against COVID-19, according to the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, which notes that there is no evidence that vaccination can lead to worsening of epilepsy or brain damage.
In today's announcement, on the occasion of the great interest regarding the vaccines against SARS CoV-2, especially in terms of their suitability, for people suffering from various diseases, such as epilepsy, the Epilepsy Center of the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics quotes a series of information and answers to the most frequently asked questions of patients, the medical world and the general public.
“At the moment there is no evidence that having epilepsy is associated with an increased risk of side effects from any vaccine against COVID-19,” he said, adding that for people with epilepsy, the risk of COVID-19 infection and possible complications are much greater than the risk of side effects from a vaccine against COVID-19 “.
However, he noted that “it should be borne in mind that as with other vaccines, fever may occur after vaccination for COVID-19, and in some people this may increase the risk of seizures.”
He also notes that taking antipyretics (eg paracetamol) regularly for 48 hours after vaccination or for as long as the fever lasts will reduce this risk, adding that “there is no evidence that vaccination can lead to worsening of epilepsy or in brain damage “.
Meanwhile, the Epilepsy Center of the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics says that before a COVID-19 vaccine is given, patients should be informed that they have epilepsy and provide any other important medical information, such as a history of allergies, especially to ingredients. of the vaccine, allergic reactions to previous vaccines (for example to the flu vaccine) and whether they had a fever or infection in the previous days.
In addition, they should inform about the medications they are taking, especially if they are taking immunosuppressive drugs or anticoagulants and there is a case of pregnancy or breastfeeding.
“As with any vaccine, those who are allergic to one of its ingredients should not get the COVID-19 vaccine and those who have had an allergic reaction to the first dose should not get the second dose,” adds the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics .
Finally, he recalls that those who have already been vaccinated against COVID-19, it is important to continue to wear a mask and keep their distance, noting that currently approved vaccines reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection by up to 90%, depending on the vaccine, but people who have been vaccinated may be able to pass COVID-19 to others without knowing they are carriers.
Source: KYPE
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