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