Complex regional pain syndrome after mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination

We describe the case of a 17-year-old woman diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) at a pain clinic after the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. She was referred to our department for surgical treatment of movement disorder seven months after the second inoculation. Baclofen (50 mu g), administered intrathecally, improved the involuntary movements of her right hand. After administration of zolpidem (5 mg), involuntary movements of the right index finger almost disappeared. However, neither zolpidem nor intrathecal baclofen improved the limited range of motion of the first joint of the left-hand finger. Despite various reports on CRPS development after vaccination, only one case post COVID-19 vaccination has been reported. Therefore, healthcare providers should keep in mind that CRPS can appear after the COVID-19 vaccination.

Automated summary

We present the case of a 17-year-old woman who developed complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) after receiving the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. She was referred to our department for surgical treatment of a movement disorder seven months after the vaccination. Intrathecal baclofen and zolpidem were administered to improve her symptoms, but only zolpidem had a significant effect on reducing involuntary movements in her right hand. It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of the potential risk of CRPS following COVID-19 vaccination.