Guillain-Barré Syndrome Presenting as Painful Weakness and Edema of the Legs: A Case Report

Abstract

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune inflammatory polyneuropathy, which can be challenging to diagnose due to variability in the initial presenting features. Pain, flaccid paresis, motor sensory disturbance, hyporeflexia, and autonomic dysfunction are the typical manifestations, although atypical features, such as ataxia, neck stiffness, dysphagia, ophthalmoplegia, bulbar palsy, and isolated upper limb weakness, may be seen. It may also progress to fatal respiratory depression. As such, timely diagnosis and treatment are essential. We present the case of a 41-year-old man who presented with a four-day history of acute-onset bilateral lower extremity swelling, decreased motor strength, diffuse muscle pain, hyporeflexia, and absent vibratory sensation. After admission, symptoms worsened, and the patient developed new-onset swallowing difficulty and urinary retention. Neurological examination findings of hyporeflexia and flaccid paralysis, along with normal thyroid function, and the absence of cord compression on spinal MRI pointed toward the diagnosis of GBS. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) and concentric electromyography (EMG) confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was treated with intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) and eventually discharged to a rehabilitation facility after a 12-day hospital stay. Later, the patient developed contractures and chronic pain consistent with post-GBS syndrome, for which we referred him for pain management and physical therapy. A rapidly progressive weakness with autonomic dysfunction should prompt suspicion of GBS and should be treated with intravenous immunoglobulins or plasma exchange without further delay.

Keywords: guillain–barré syndrome; inflammatory neuropathy; intravenous immunoglobulins; paralysis; plasma exchange.

Figure 1. MRI (Sagittal) of the (A) Cervical and Thoracic Spine and (B) Lumbar Spine

No evidence of cord compression in the spinal cord. Signal intensity in the spinal cord is normal.