‘When nature breaks the rules’: Guillain-barré syndrome presenting with descending paralysis

Harsh Nawal 1, *, Swarnava Sengupta 1, Sakshi Mohta 1, Akshat Bhandari 2 and Prananshu Agarwal 2

1 Department of General Medicine, MBBS student, Medical College and Hospital Kolkata, India.
2 Department of Internal Medicine, MBBS Student, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
 
Case Report
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2024, 20(01), 535–537.
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjbphs.2024.20.1.0809
Publication history: 
Received on 09 September 2024; revised on 19 October 2024; accepted on 22 October 2024
 
Abstract: 
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) typically presents with ascending paralysis, but we report an atypical case involving descending paralysis in a 36-year-old male. The patient experienced upper limb weakness and respiratory muscle involvement, progressing to respiratory distress. Initial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and nerve conduction studies (NCS) were normal, delaying the diagnosis. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) led to partial recovery. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of atypical GBS presentations and the importance of early intervention.
 
Keywords: 
Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; Guillain-Barre Syndrome; Miller Fisher Syndrome; Paresis; Muscle Weakness
 
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