Guillain-Barré Syndrome Unmasked in a Patient with Cervical Myelopathy and Lumbar Stenosis After a Fall

1 min read
Source: Cureus
Guillain-Barré Syndrome Unmasked in a Patient with Cervical Myelopathy and Lumbar Stenosis After a Fall
Photo: Cureus
TL;DR Summary

A 55-year-old man with diabetes and preexisting cervical myelopathy and lumbar stenosis fell and developed rapid bilateral weakness and urinary incontinence. Initial MRI suggested spinal cord compression as the cause, but the clinical course progressed with areflexia and respiratory decline. CSF showed albuminocytologic dissociation and nerve conduction studies revealed severe motor–sensory axonal polyneuropathy, supporting Guillain-Barré syndrome, which was treated with plasmapheresis and led to neurological improvement. The case highlights the diagnostic challenge of distinguishing GBS from preexisting spinal pathology and the importance of serial exams and appropriate investigations (CSF analysis and NCS) for timely management.

Share this article

Reading Insights

Total Reads

1

Unique Readers

6

Time Saved

25 min

vs 26 min read

Condensed

98%

5,03195 words

Want the full story? Read the original article

Read on Cureus