Diagnostic evaluation of Guillain-Barré syndrome

GBS: Guillain-Barré syndrome; MRI: magnetic resonance imaging; NCS: nerve conduction studies; EMG: electromyography; CSF: cerebrospinal fluid.
* Progressive limb weakness predominates in most cases; patients with Miller Fisher syndrome and other variant forms of GBS may present with extraocular muscle weakness (ophthalmoplegia) and ataxia with minimal limb weakness.
¶ Refer to the UpToDate topic on the pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis of GBS in adults for additional details on clinical features of GBS and other conditions in the differential diagnosis of GBS.
Δ Diagnostic laboratory testing for other causes of acute weakness are performed based on history or examination. Refer to the UpToDate topic on the pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnosis of GBS in adults, section on laboratory testing, for additional details.
◊ Screening tests include complete blood count and differential, comprehensive metabolic profile, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum glucose, and glycohemoglobin.
§ Typically includes anti-GM1 and GD1a/b antibodies for patients with prominent weakness and anti-GQ1b antibodies for patients with ophthalmoplegia and ataxia.