Conversion reactions simulating Guillain-Barré paralysis following suspension of the swine flu vaccination program in the U.S.A.

The association of Guillain-Barré Syndrome as a possible complication of swine flu inoculation created the potential for conversion reactions simulating this syndrome. Upon termination of the swine flu vaccination program, a study was initiated in a prepaid health plan to identify and categorize such patients. An estimated 8000 adults were vaccinated and it was hypothesized that a large number of these patients would present to the health plan with conversion symptoms. However, only seven patients met the criteria and they were compared to two control groups (inoculated and uninoculated). The patients with conversion symptoms did show similatities to those previously described in the literature: all were female, of lower educational level, and had great concern with health problems. Other speculations as to why these patients had conversion reactions were made.