Which presentation is typical of Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Prepare for the PANCE Neurology Test with comprehensive materials. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each featuring hints and explanations. Boost your confidence and ace your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which presentation is typical of Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Guillain-Barré syndrome classically presents with rapidly progressive, symmetric weakness that starts in the legs and ascends toward the arms, often reaching the upper body over days to weeks, accompanied by loss of deep tendon reflexes (areflexia). This pattern typically follows a recent infection, reflecting an immune-mediated attack on peripheral nerves. Sensory symptoms like tingling or pain are common but usually milder than the weakness, and autonomic changes can occur. The combination of an ascending course with areflexia after an infection is the hallmark. Why the other patterns don’t fit as well: sudden unilateral weakness with preserved reflexes points toward a focal central problem like a stroke rather than a diffuse peripheral neuropathy; a timeline of months of progressive weakness suggests a chronic condition such as CIDP rather than an acute paralytic illness; and flaccid paralysis without sensory symptoms is atypical for Guillain-Barré since sensory disturbances are common even if mild.

Guillain-Barré syndrome classically presents with rapidly progressive, symmetric weakness that starts in the legs and ascends toward the arms, often reaching the upper body over days to weeks, accompanied by loss of deep tendon reflexes (areflexia). This pattern typically follows a recent infection, reflecting an immune-mediated attack on peripheral nerves. Sensory symptoms like tingling or pain are common but usually milder than the weakness, and autonomic changes can occur. The combination of an ascending course with areflexia after an infection is the hallmark.

Why the other patterns don’t fit as well: sudden unilateral weakness with preserved reflexes points toward a focal central problem like a stroke rather than a diffuse peripheral neuropathy; a timeline of months of progressive weakness suggests a chronic condition such as CIDP rather than an acute paralytic illness; and flaccid paralysis without sensory symptoms is atypical for Guillain-Barré since sensory disturbances are common even if mild.

More practice questions