Impaired joint mobility in Guillain-Barré syndrome: a primary or a secondary phenomenon?

Three patients with Guillain-Barré syndrome had significant residual impairment of joint mobility. Pain in the limbs and axial skeleton was a prominent early feature, as were autonomic disturbances and bulbar involvement resulting in prolonged mechanical ventilation. All three patients developed marked joint stiffness and contractures despite having physiotherapy from the outset. The skeletal problems and complications became major components of disability despite improving neurological status.