Guillain-Barré Syndrome – Top USMLE Diseases

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), once thought to be a single disease process, is a family of immune-mediated polyneuropathies that occur after infections (e.g., with Campylobacter jejuni). Typical GBS is characterized by acute monophasic neuromuscular paralysis, which is symmetric and ascending in progression. If the paralysis reaches the respiratory muscles, GBS can progress into respiratory failure, which requires prolonged hospitalization. Management is mostly supportive and may require either plasma exchange or IV immunoglobulin.

Polyneuropathy is any disease process affecting the function of or causing damage to multiple nerves of the peripheral nervous system. There are numerous etiologies of polyneuropathy, most of which are systemic and the most common of which is diabetic neuropathy. The clinical presentation varies by etiology as well as classification of the polyneuropathy, but generally manifests as sensorimotor disturbances (pain, paresthesia, numbness, weakness, and loss of coordination and balance), which have a gradual onset and progressive course. Distal nerves are affected most commonly, but the disease process may progress proximally with time or progression of the underlying etiologic disease entity. Diagnosis is made clinically, but laboratory studies, electrodiagnostic testing, and/or nerve biopsy may be required in some cases. Management varies depending on the etiology.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), once thought to be a single disease process, is a family of immune-mediated polyneuropathies that occur after infections (e.g., with Campylobacter jejuni). Typical GBS is characterized by acute monophasic neuromuscular paralysis, which is symmetric and ascending in progression. If the paralysis reaches the respiratory muscles, GBS can progress into respiratory failure, which requires prolonged hospitalization. Management is mostly supportive and may require either plasma exchange or IV immunoglobulin.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that leads to demyelination of the nerves in the CNS. Young women are more predominantly affected by this most common demyelinating condition. The etiology of MS is unclear; however, both genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role. The clinical presentation varies widely depending on the site of lesions, but typically includes neurological symptoms that affect vision, motor functions, sensation, and autonomic function. The diagnosis is made via MRI of the entire CNS (brain and spine) as well as CSF examination. Management involves corticosteroids for acute exacerbations and disease-modifying agents to reduce these exacerbations and slow disease progression. The average life expectancy of individuals with MS is decreased by 5–10 years.