Early Electrodiagnostic Findings in Guillain-Barré Syndrome

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Abstract
GUILLAIN-BARRÉ syndrome (GBS) is the most common cause of acute and severe generalized peripheral neuropathic weakness.1 Nerve conduction studies (NCSs) are the most important ancillary diagnostic test. Electrodiagnostic (EDX) studies often show evidence of patchy demyelination, manifested as conduction block, slowed motor conduction velocities (CVs), delayed latencies, and dispersed responses2; however, axon loss variants have been described.3 While the electrical abnormalities may not be sufficiently widespread for definite diagnosis in the first 2 weeks,2 early diagnosis is important, because treatment shortens the course of GBS, reduces the time required to receive mechanical respiratory assistance, and lessens the overall severity.4-6 The goal of this study was to determine if there are characteristic EDX findings within the first week or if there are early patterns that are suggestive of GBS so that interventional treatment may be initiated with confidence. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all patients with GBS who underwent EDX studies at our center within the first 7 days after onset of motor symptoms to determine the most common early electrical findings and the percentage of patients who could be diagnosed with reasonable certainty.

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