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Arsenic-Induced Polyneuropathy Mimicking Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Conundrum
Carin Behrens-van Tonder1, Liesl Smit1
1Neurology University of the Free State Faculty of Health Sciences Bloemfontein South Africa.
Clinical Case Reports
|September 11, 2025
Summary
Chronic arsenic exposure from illicit drug use can cause flaccid paralysis. This case highlights arsenic polyneuropathy as a critical, yet often overlooked, diagnosis in patients with paralysis.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Neurology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Arsenic exposure is a known cause of polyneuropathy.
- Flaccid paralysis is a serious neurological condition.
- Differential diagnosis for flaccid paralysis is broad.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of flaccid paralysis due to chronic arsenic exposure.
- To emphasize the importance of considering arsenic toxicity in paralysis.
- To raise awareness among clinicians regarding this rare presentation.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Review of patient's clinical history and exposure.
- Discussion of arsenic toxicity and neurological effects.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with flaccid paralysis.
- Chronic arsenic exposure, linked to illicit drug use, was identified as the cause.
- Arsenic-induced polyneuropathy was confirmed.
Conclusions:
- Arsenic polyneuropathy should be considered in the differential diagnosis of flaccid paralysis.
- Illicit drug use can be a source of chronic arsenic exposure.
- Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial for patient management.
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