Looks can be deceiving: three cases of neurological diseases mimicking Guillain-Barrè syndrome

Neurol Sci. 2016 Apr;37(4):541-5. doi: 10.1007/s10072-015-2450-4. Epub 2015 Dec 26.

Abstract

Guillain-Barrè syndrome (GBS) is an acute, paralyzing, inflammatory peripheral nerve disease, featured by monophasic disease course, symmetrical limb weakness and areflexia. Several pathologies can mimic the clinical presentation of GBS, making hard the differential diagnosis for patients complaining of acute flaccid paralysis. In this paper we describe three cases of different neurological diseases presenting with acute motor symptoms mimicking GBS, reviewing the relevant literature on misdiagnosis of GBS.

Keywords: Differential diagnosis; Electromyography; Guillain–Barrè syndrome; Misdiagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brain / diagnostic imaging*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Errors / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neural Conduction / physiology