SAQ 349 – Neurology – Guillain-Barre syndrome versus spinal cord compression

Review Completed

Marked out of 11.00

A 63-year-old man presents with bilateral leg weakness after a recent diarrhoeal illness. You suspect Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Describe differences in clinical features between GBS and spinal cord compression.

(Marked out of 8.0)

/ 8

Describe how forced vital capacity is used to monitor suspected diaphragmatic weakness, including thresholds.

(Marked out of 3.0)

/ 3

Total Score: 0 / 11

Percentage: 0%

Feature	GBS	Spinal cord compression
History	Prior infectious illness may be present.	No prodrome typical.
Reflexes/sensation	Areflexia/LMN signs; sensation typically preserved.	Hyperreflexia/UMN signs; sensory level may be present.
Pattern	Ascending weakness; respiratory muscle involvement may occur.	Fixed level; no respiratory muscle involvement unless lesion above C5.
Investigations	MRI without compressive lesion; CSF albumin-cytological dissociation; EMG/nerve conduction supportive.	MRI shows compressive lesion; CSF usually normal.

FVC	Management/disposition
<15 mL/kg	Indication for mechanical ventilation.
15-20 mL/kg	Close monitoring in ICU.
>20 mL/kg	Observe; ward-based care if no other ICU indication.