Severe Guillain-Barré syndrome following head trauma

Abstract

Fulminant forms of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) present as acute onset tetraparesis and areflexia with absent brainstem reflexes, simulating brain death. Head trauma as an antecedent to fulminant GBS has been infrequently reported, and recognizing an association between GBS and head trauma may be crucial for patient management. Consequently, we report a patient with fulminant GBS with mixed demyelinating and axonal features preceded by a closed head injury, and discuss the possible pathophysiological mechanisms.