From the Guidelines
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and electrodiagnostic testing, with the primary test involving a lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid, which typically shows elevated protein levels with normal cell counts (albuminocytologic dissociation) 1. The diagnosis of GBS is based on the patient's history and neurological, electrophysiological, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examinations 1.
Key Diagnostic Tests
- Lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid
- Nerve conduction studies and electromyography to confirm the diagnosis
- Blood tests to rule out other conditions and identify specific antibodies associated with GBS variants
- MRI of the spine to exclude other causes of symptoms These tests should be performed promptly when GBS is suspected, as early diagnosis allows for timely treatment with immunotherapy such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasma exchange 1.
Importance of Early Diagnosis
Early diagnosis is crucial, as approximately 20% of patients with GBS develop respiratory failure and require mechanical ventilation due to respiratory muscle weakness 1.
Diagnostic Criteria
The diagnostic criteria for GBS include progressive, relatively symmetric muscle weakness and diminished reflexes, with electrophysiological studies providing evidence of PNS dysfunction and distinguishing between the subtypes of GBS: acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), and acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) 1.