Update: the Miller Fisher variants of Guillain-Barré syndrome

Abstract

Purpose of review: This article will update and review the Miller Fisher variants (MFV) of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) including the clinical presentation, diagnostic testing, and treatment.

Recent findings: Although the diagnosis of GBS and MFV can be made on clinical grounds, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, nerve conduction studies, imaging (e.g. ultrasound and MRI), and serologic testing can help to confirm the diagnosis. Some patients may need immunotherapy with either intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) or plasma exchange, and recent studies suggest that complement inhibition combined with IVIg could be of benefit, but further studies are needed to prove efficacy.

Summary: GBS is characterized by an acute, ascending polyneuropathy, ataxia, areflexia, and CSF albuminocytologic dissociation. The MFV of GBS is associated with ophthalmoplegia. Clinicians should have high index of suspicion for MFV of GBS in patients with acute ophthalmoplegia in order to establish the diagnosis, perform appropriate evaluation, and start treatment. SDC VIDEO LINK:.