Healthcare professionals play a vital role in the early recognition and treatment of GBS, CIDP and MMN. Quick diagnosis and timely treatment can significantly improve patient outcomes. Find a quick overview of symptoms, diagnostics, and treatment options here.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an acute, rapidly progressing immune-mediated neuropathy that can lead to respiratory failure in severe cases. Early recognition and intervention are critical.
Symptoms
- Progressive weakness, typically starting 1-2 weeks after a viral infection, spreading to all extremities
- May include bulbar weakness and impaired respiration, potentially requiring ICU care
- Loss of reflexes, minimal sensory findings, and possible severe back pain
- May be associated with pain, though sensory loss is usually mild
Diagnostics
- Nerve conduction studies (NCS): Show demyelination but may be normal in the first week
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis: Elevated protein with a normal cell count (can be normal in the first week)
Treatment
- High-dose Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG)
- Plasma Exchange (PLEX)
- Treatment should begin within two weeks of onset for maximum benefit
- If IVIG is administered, observe the patient for two weeks before considering alternative treatments
- Adequate analgesia is required for severe back pain
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) is a chronic, progressive, or relapsing disorder that leads to prolonged muscle weakness and sensory impairment.
Symptoms
- Progressive, painless weakness and atrophy in the distal upper limbs
- Lower limb involvement occurs much later
- Differential diagnosis early on includes ALS
Diagnostics
- Nerve conduction studies (NCS): Show demyelinating changes with secondary axonal loss
- CSF analysis: May show elevated protein, but not in all cases
- MRI of the lumbosacral spine: May show nerve root enlargement, but findings are inconsistent
- Lab tests for other causes of neuropathy are generally unremarkable
Treatment
- IVIG (loading dose followed by maintenance therapy)
- Corticosteroids can be useful
- Other immunosuppressants may be considered
- PLEX is difficult to access for chronic cases
Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN)
Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN) is a rare, chronic neuropathy that primarily affects distal upper limb muscles and can be misdiagnosed as ALS.
Symptoms
- Progressive, painless weakness and atrophy in the distal upper limbs
- Lower limb involvement occurs much later • Differential diagnosis early on includes ALS
Diagnostics
- Nerve conduction studies (NCS): Show multifocal changes, often with conduction block
- Anti-GM1 ganglioside antibodies are elevated in 50% of patients
Treatment
- IVIG (similar to CIDP but often requiring higher doses)
- No other effective treatments are available
The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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