Ross Wightman, who resides in the Okanagan region of B.C., was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare nervous system condition, which authorities say was likely caused by receiving the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine in April of last year.

GBS can cause paralysis and muscle weakness — as it has in Wightman's case — and can even lead to death.

After receiving his first dose of the vaccine in April of last year, Wightman began to experience severe back pain. He was treated several times in the emergency room until he reported facial tingling on a Saturday and was admitted to the hospital.

"By Tuesday, I had full facial paralysis. I could blink but I couldn't smile or show my teeth at all, and had paralysis from the waist down as well," Wightman said.

Early on, Wightman suspected that the vaccine might have been responsible for his illness.

"At that point, [concern regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine was about] blood clotting," not GBS, Wightman said.

Wightman is now back at home in rural British Columbia, but he initially spent 67 days in the hospital.

"I had quite a few ups and downs really early," he said.

And Wightman continues to struggle with his vaccine-related problems. He struggles to walk by himself, has trouble making his way up stairs unassisted, and still has partial paralysis.