What is the status of deep tendon reflexes in Guillain-Barré syndrome?

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What is the status of deep tendon reflexes in Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Guillain-Barré syndrome typically causes decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes because it is a peripheral nerve problem that disrupts the reflex arc. The reflex circuit relies on intact sensory fibers, a spinal cord synapse, and intact motor fibers. When peripheral nerves are demyelinated or damaged, conduction slows or fails, so tapping a tendon no longer reliably triggers a muscle contraction, leading to hyporeflexia or areflexia. This pattern helps distinguish it from central nervous system problems, where reflexes are often exaggerated due to loss of upper-level inhibitory control. Early in the illness reflexes may be normal, but they usually become reduced or absent as the disease progresses.

Guillain-Barré syndrome typically causes decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes because it is a peripheral nerve problem that disrupts the reflex arc. The reflex circuit relies on intact sensory fibers, a spinal cord synapse, and intact motor fibers. When peripheral nerves are demyelinated or damaged, conduction slows or fails, so tapping a tendon no longer reliably triggers a muscle contraction, leading to hyporeflexia or areflexia. This pattern helps distinguish it from central nervous system problems, where reflexes are often exaggerated due to loss of upper-level inhibitory control. Early in the illness reflexes may be normal, but they usually become reduced or absent as the disease progresses.

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