Relapsing Encephalomyelitis Following the Use of Influenza Vaccine

IMMUNIZATION against influenza is extensively in use at the present time. Though a number of adverse systemic reactions are induced by this vaccine, the occurrence of neurological disorders appears to be exceedingly rare. To date only three cases1-3have been reported, all of an encephalomyelitic nature with recovery and no sequelae. We have recently encountered a fourth case with an unusual sequence of episodic neurological events. Report of a Case A 25-year-old woman enjoyed good health until May 1971, when, two days after receiving a third injection of influenza virus vaccine, bivalent USP (Zonomune), she became febrile and complained of headache and malaise. These symptoms lasted for four days and subsided. Two days later she again complained of headache, this time associated with vertigo, nausea, and neck pain; within the next few days became confused, disoriented, and markedly ataxic. Her speech is reported to have been slurred, there