Guillain-Barre syndrome is an inflammatory polyneuropathy with ascending weakness and sensory loss. It is diagnosed clinically and treated with IVIG or palasma exchange.

Pathophysiology

• Immune-mediated demylinating polyneuropathy
• Immune response initated by GI (Campylobacter) or respiratory infection

Contextual Factors

• Recent infection

Clinical Manifestation

• Paresthesia, neuropathic pain
• Symmetric, ascending weakness
• Decreased/ absent deep tendon reflexes
• Autonomic dysfunction
• Respiratory compromise

Complications

• Residual weakness
• Chronic inflammatory demylinating polyneuropathy

Diagnosis

• Clinical
• Supportive findings
  • CSF: increased protein, normal leukocytes
  • Abnormal EMG and nerve conduction studies
  • MRI: normal or anterior nerve root/ cauda equina enhancement

Treatment

• Autonomic and respiratory function monitoring
• IV immunoglobulin or plasmapheresis