Empfehlungen zum Vorgehen bei Auftreten ungewöhnlicher neurologischer Symptome in zeitlichem Zusammenhang mit Impfungen im Kindes- und Jugendalter

[Recommendations on the approach when unusual neurological symptoms occur in temporal association with vaccinations in childhood and adolescence]

Vaccinations are often administered at an age when many neurological diseases of childhood and adolescence also occur. Febrile seizures may occur following vaccination in patients with an appropriate genetic predisposition. The occurrence of narcolepsy has been described more frequently after pandemic influenza A-H1N1 vaccinations. The causality has not been proven. Data regarding an association between Guillain-Barré syndrome and influenza vaccinations are inconclusive. It was conclusively shown that vaccinations do not cause neurological disorders, such as autism and do not trigger multiple sclerosis. In summary, there is currently no confirmed evidence for the occurrence of chronic neurological diseases as a consequence of generally recommended vaccinations in Germany. If unusual neurological symptoms are observed in temporal association with vaccinations, a comprehensive evaluation is necessary to exclude a causal relationship and to diagnose the underlying neurological disease independent of the vaccination. This statement gives specific recommendations for the practical approach when neurological symptoms are observed in temporal association with vaccinations with respect to taking the patient history, initial diagnostic procedures, accurate and prompt documentation and the obligation to report the event. The committee also proposes procedures for further clarification and differential diagnostics of causal neurological diseases in childhood and adolescence.