Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Authors: Richard Loffhagen / Editor: Clifford J Mann / Reviewer: Kaja Rasheed, John Wilson, Jia Luen Goh / Codes: A5 / Published: 27/12/2021 / Reviewed: 25/05/2026

This module describes the classical presentations of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS).

Learning objectives

After completing this session, you will be able to:

  • Describe the classical presentations of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
  • Outline the mimics and differential diagnoses of GBS
  • Describe the established variants of GBS
  • Propose a rationale for the investigation/monitoring of GBS
  • List the complications of GBS and their frequency
  • Explain the current treatment options for GBS
  • Summarise the prognosis for patients with GBS

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References

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  4. Leonhard SE, et al. Diagnosis and management of Guillain-Barr syndrome in ten steps. Nat Rev Neurol. 2019 Nov;15(11):671-683.
  5. BMJ Best Practice. Guillain-Barr syndrome. BMJ Publishing Group, 2026.
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  8. Willison HJ, et al. Guillain-Barr syndrome. Lancet. 2016 Aug 13;388(10045):717-27.
  9. Guillain G, Barr JA, Strohl A. Sur un syndrome de radiculo-nvrite avec hyperalbuminose du liquide cphalo-rachidien sans raction cellulaire. Remarques sur les caractres cliniques et graphiques des rflexes tendineux [Radiculoneuritis syndrome with hyperalbuminosis of cerebrospinal fluid without cellular reaction. Notes on clinical features and graphs of tendon reflexes. 1916]. Ann Med Interne (Paris). 1999 Jan;150(1):24-32. French. PMID: 10400560.
  10. Yang YR, et al. Comparative proteomics analysis of cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Guillain-Barr syndrome. Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2008 Aug;28(5):737-44.
  11. Hughes RA, Swan AV, Raphal JC, Annane D, et al. Immunotherapy for Guillain-Barr syndrome: a systematic review. Brain. 2007 Sep;130(Pt 9):2245-57.
  12. Van Koningsveld R, Steyerberg EW, Hughes RA, et al. A clinical prognostic scoring system for Guillain-Barr syndrome. Lancet Neurol. 2007 Jul;6(7):589-94.
  13. Mori M, et al. Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for Miller Fisher syndrome. Neurology. 2007 Apr 3;68(14):1144-6.

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