Postsurgical Guillain-Barré Syndrome Presenting as Seizures: A Rare Case Report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Pediatrics
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Postsurgical Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an uncommon complication in pediatric patients.
• GBS can manifest with autonomic dysfunction, leading to severe hypertension.
• Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) can be a consequence of severe hypertension.

Observation:

• Neuropathic symptoms of GBS are frequently overlooked postoperatively.
• Symptoms are often misattributed to sedation or pain management.
• This case involved a child presenting with seizures after bowel surgery.

Findings:

• The child's seizures were caused by autonomic dysfunction secondary to GBS.
• Severe acute hypertension was a key feature, linked to dysautonomia.
• The underlying cause was identified as postsurgical GBS.

Implications:

• Early recognition of postsurgical GBS is crucial in pediatric patients with unexplained postoperative symptoms.
• Awareness of GBS-induced dysautonomia can prevent misdiagnosis of seizures.
• This case underscores the importance of considering GBS in the differential diagnosis of postoperative neurological complications.