Guillain-Barre Syndrome

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Diagnosis & Tests

A history of increasing muscle weakness and paralysis may indicate Guillain-Barre syndrome, especially if there was a recent illness.

Neurological examination shows muscle weakness and may indicate dysfunction of the control of involuntary (autonomic) body functions such as blood pressure and heart rate. Sensory loss may be minimal, even when sensory changes are present.

There may be evidence of decreased breathing ability caused by paralysis of the breathing muscles and a decrease in deep tendon reflexes in the arms and legs.

• An NCV (nerve conduction velocity) shows demyelination.
• An EMG (a test of electrical activity in muscles) shows lack of nervous stimulation.
• A CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) examination may be abnormal, showing increase in protein without increase in white blood cell count.
• An ECG may show abnormalities in some cases.