Neuropathic Tremor in Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Neuropathic Tremor (NT) is a postural/kinetic tremor of the upper extremity, often encountered in patients with chronic neuropathies such as paraprotein-associated and hereditary neuropathies.

To describe the clinical and electrophysiological features of NT in a previously underrecognized setting- during recovery from Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).

Patients with a documented diagnosis of GBS in the past, presenting with tremor were identified from review of clinical records. Participants underwent structured, videotaped neurological examination, and electrophysiological analysis using tri-axial accelerometry-surface electromyography. Tremor severity was assessed using the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale.

We describe the clinical and electrophysiological features of 5 patients with GBS associated NT. Our cohort had a fine, fast, and slightly jerky postural tremor of frequency ranging from 8 to 10 Hz. Dystonic posturing and overflow movements were noted in 4/5 patients. Tremor appeared 3 months-5 years after the onset of GBS, when patients had regained near normal muscle strength and deep tendon jerks were well elicitable. Electrophysiological analysis of tremor strongly suggested the presence of a central oscillator in all patients.

NT is not limited to chronic inflammatory or hereditary neuropathies and may occur in the recovery phase of GBS. The tremor is characterized by a high frequency, jerky postural tremor with dystonic posturing. Electrophysiological evaluation suggests the presence of a central oscillator, hypothetically the cerebellum driven by impaired sensorimotor feedback.