Severe Progressive Back Pain Causing the Misdiagnoses of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (Twice)

Abstract

Introduction: Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune demyelinating disease. Symptoms vary widely and commonly include ascending bilateral weakness, pain and hyporeflexia. Approximately 30% will develop respiratory failure contributing to the high morbidity and mortality. Advancements in diagnostic and treatment have greatly decreased mortality to now less than 10%. However, GBS is still often misdiagnosed, thus delaying care.