Recognising and managing Guillain-Barré syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome, a randomly acquired inflammatory condition that can lead to progressive muscle weakness and paralysis, is a rare presentation in emergency departments, and differentiating its early stages from common viral illnesses can be difficult. Emergency practitioners should be aware, therefore, of the subtle early signs of Guillain-Barré syndrome so that they can make a diagnosis and refer patients appropriately. This article examines the aetiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of the condition, and reviews the case of a 16-year-old girl diagnosed with a viral illness and discharged, but who was admitted to a neighbouring hospital a week later and diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome.