Episode 60 - Inflammatory Polyneuropathies

Guillain-Barre syndrome presents as a monophasic, progressive flaccid weakness and areflexia, often following an antecedent infection like *Campylobacter*. Diagnosis relies on identifying albuminocytologic dissociation in cerebrospinal fluid and electrodiagnostic findings such as conduction block or F-wave abnormalities, though these may take weeks to manifest. Treatment focuses on supportive care and hastening recovery through intravenous immunoglobulin or plasmapheresis, with no evidence favoring one over the other. Corticosteroids are contraindicated in acute cases but may be utilized in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. Clinical variants, including axonal forms like AMAN and AMSAN, or antibody-associated syndromes like Miller-Fisher, require distinct diagnostic considerations, such as testing for GQ1B or GM1 ganglioside antibodies. Neuromuscular fellow Dr. Kevin Wilson provides this clinical overview, emphasizing the necessity of monitoring respiratory status and recognizing specific diagnostic red flags to differentiate GBS from infectious mimics.