Presumed oculomotor nerve palsy following COVID-19 vaccination

Abstract

We herein report the case of an 84-year-old female who presented to the outpatient clinic one day following her first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine with mydriasis, ptosis, and a “down and out” gaze. She was subsequently diagnosed with oculomotor nerve palsy, and treated with corticosteroids and valacyclovir for a total of 7 days, with no clear improvement. On subsequent visits, ophthalmic examination improved steadily and showed complete resolution after 8 weeks. This article aims to report this unusual incidence that occurred following vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. It is important for physicians to identify and report abnormal occurrences which may potentially be related to the COVID-19 vaccines, in order to reach a complete understanding of their possible side effects.