Pseudo-guillain-barre syndrome due to "whippet"-induced myeloneuropathy

Abstract

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is the rubric encompassing highly variable phenotypic subgroups of acute, postinfectious, immune-mediated peripheral neuropathy. The hallmark of GBS phenomenology is a rapidly progressive ascending lower extremity weakness. GBS taxonomy includes a motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN). Nitrous oxide (NO) abuse may create a pattern of neurological dysfunction almost identical to subacute combined degeneration. We report an adult with myeloneuropathy due to NO abuse that mimicked the presenting features of the GBS-subtype AMSAN.