Atypical Guillain-Barré Syndrome in a Young Adult: Diagnostic Challenges and Lessons Learned

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare, immune-mediated polyneuropathy that typically presents with ascending weakness, areflexia, and sensory disturbances. This case highlights an atypical presentation of GBS in an 18-year-old female, whose initial symptoms included primarily sensory deficits following routine exercise. The diagnostic process was complicated by unremarkable initial laboratory and imaging findings, but cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed albuminocytologic dissociation, and electromyography confirmed acute demyelinating polyneuropathy. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges posed by atypical variants of GBS, the importance of thorough neurological evaluation, and the critical role of timely intervention in optimizing outcomes.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-04-21
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.82731
Primary Topic
Peripheral Neuropathies and Disorders
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Atypical Guillain-Barré Syndrome in a Young Adult: Diagnostic Challenges and Lessons Learned

David Ansell, Harald A. Becker, Edena R Khoshaba
Cureus
Peripheral Neuropathies and Disorders
article

Atypical Guillain-Barré Syndrome in a Young Adult: Diagnostic Challenges and Lessons Learned

David Ansell, Harald A. Becker, Edena R Khoshaba
article en

Abstract

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare, immune-mediated polyneuropathy that typically presents with ascending weakness, areflexia, and sensory disturbances. This case highlights an atypical presentation of GBS in an 18-year-old female, whose initial symptoms included primarily sensory deficits following routine exercise. The diagnostic process was complicated by unremarkable initial laboratory and imaging findings, but cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed albuminocytologic dissociation, and electromyography confirmed acute demyelinating polyneuropathy. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges posed by atypical variants of GBS, the importance of thorough neurological evaluation, and the critical role of timely intervention in optimizing outcomes.

CureusVol. 17(4)
Rush University Medical Center (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 86%
Peripheral Neuropathies and Disorders
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