A 39-year-old man in California developed a severe burning sensation in his mouth after receiving the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, according to a recent medical case report. The man experienced intense burning on the top of his tongue and a metallic taste that lasted about a year, making it difficult for him to eat or speak.
Shortly after his first vaccine dose, he felt burning in his feet that spread to his mouth and cheeks, followed by fainting. After the second dose a month later, his body stiffened, and the mouth pain worsened, preventing him from eating for two days. The pain eventually became a distraction at work, prompting him to seek medical care.
Doctors diagnosed him with burning mouth syndrome, a rare condition causing a constant burning feeling similar to being scalded by hot liquid. They suspect the vaccine’s spike proteins triggered an immune response that damaged nerve cell protection, though they cannot confirm the vaccine as the definite cause.
The man had a history of neurological issues, including migraines and bipolar disorder, which may have influenced his symptoms. Researchers note that oral side effects like burning mouth, dry mouth, and taste changes have been reported rarely after COVID-19 vaccination but stress that such reactions are uncommon and the benefits of vaccination outweigh risks.
This case highlights the need for awareness of rare neurological side effects following COVID-19 vaccines and further research to understand their causes. Experts continue to recommend vaccination as a key tool against COVID-19.
