How is Guillain-Barre Syndrome diagnosed?

See how Guillain-Barre Syndrome is diagnosed. Which specialists are essential to meet, what tests are needed and other useful information for the diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system. It is important to diagnose GBS promptly to initiate appropriate treatment and prevent complications. The diagnosis of GBS involves a combination of clinical evaluation, medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests.

Clinical Evaluation

The first step in diagnosing GBS is a thorough clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional. The doctor will review the patient's medical history, including any recent infections or vaccinations, as GBS often follows a viral or bacterial infection. They will also inquire about the symptoms experienced, such as muscle weakness, tingling, or numbness.

Physical Examination

A comprehensive physical examination is crucial in diagnosing GBS. The doctor will assess muscle strength, reflexes, coordination, and sensation. They may also look for specific signs associated with GBS, such as muscle weakness that starts in the legs and progresses upwards, absent or diminished reflexes, and sensory abnormalities.

Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)

A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a common diagnostic test for GBS. It involves inserting a needle into the lower back to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounding the spinal cord. The CSF is then analyzed for abnormalities, such as elevated protein levels. In GBS, the protein level is often elevated due to inflammation of the peripheral nerves.

Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS)

Nerve conduction studies (NCS) are another important diagnostic tool for GBS. This test measures the speed and strength of electrical signals as they travel through the nerves. During NCS, small electrical shocks are applied to specific nerves, and the response is recorded. In GBS, the nerve conduction velocity is typically slowed or absent, indicating nerve damage.

Electromyography (EMG)

Electromyography (EMG) is often performed alongside NCS to evaluate the electrical activity of muscles. Thin needles are inserted into specific muscles, and the electrical activity is recorded. EMG can help determine if the muscle weakness is due to nerve damage or other causes. In GBS, abnormal electrical patterns may be observed, confirming the diagnosis.

Other Tests

In some cases, additional tests may be conducted to support the diagnosis of GBS or rule out other conditions. These tests may include blood tests to check for specific antibodies or markers of inflammation, imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess nerve damage, or nerve biopsies in rare cases.

Differential Diagnosis

GBS shares similarities with other neurological conditions, making it essential to differentiate it from similar disorders. Conditions that may mimic GBS include chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), botulism, myasthenia gravis, and certain viral or bacterial infections. The diagnostic tests mentioned above help distinguish GBS from these conditions.

Conclusion

Diagnosing Guillain-Barre Syndrome involves a combination of clinical evaluation, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests. The clinical presentation, along with abnormal findings in lumbar puncture, nerve conduction studies, and electromyography, support the diagnosis of GBS. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial for initiating appropriate treatment and managing the condition effectively.

Diseasemaps

Posted Apr 26, 2017 by AM 1211

Initially a spinal did not show the elevation of what they were looking for, but a neurologist diagnosed it with a EMG test.

Posted Apr 26, 2017 by james ventura 1501

I'n my cases, the doctors did several tests on mobility and strength (squatting) and they also did a spinal tap test to diagnose my Guillain-Barre.

Posted Apr 27, 2017 by Totta 1181

I saw a provider at my primary care doctor's office who after some in office questions, description of the pain, and some basic neuro tests said to me he believed I had GBS and I needed to go to the ER right away to be admitted to the hospital for a complete neuro work up. Once I was admitted my neurologist came and saw me, he agreed with my doctor's office about it being GBS and started me on IVIG before my labs had returned. But true confirmation of GBS came from my spinal tap. I also had a test done where the shock your muscles, and a MRI, and a lot of blood work done.

Posted Apr 27, 2017 by Gabrielle 600

most gbs is diagnosed by a spinal tap confirming the raised cfs protien found related to gbs, reduced reflexes, electrodiagnostics, .mostly neurologist, physio therapists Dr.s, nurses

Posted May 9, 2017 by Bob 1650

A needle is poked in the spine and then a test is done on the fluid.

Posted Jul 24, 2017 by Charles 320

Lumber punture . Check on the protein level

Posted Sep 3, 2017 by James 2825

They take a sample of spinal fluid and run tests to find out if its GBS.

Posted Sep 9, 2017 by Barb 1100

By a doctor and spinal tap

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Connie 2000

Nerve test EMG .
NEUROLOGIST

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Rex McKinley 1200

Mine was done with a spinal tap. But I have heard that they do nerve conduction test

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Debra 2000

Guillain-Barre syndrome can be difficult to diagnose in its earliest stages. Its signs and symptoms are similar to those of other neurological disorders and may vary from person to person.

Your doctor is likely to start with a medical history and thorough physical examination.

Your doctor may then recommend:

Spinal tap (lumbar puncture). A small amount of fluid is withdrawn from the spinal canal in your lower back. The fluid is tested for a type of change that commonly occurs in people who have Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Electromyography. Thin-needle electrodes are inserted into the muscles your doctor wants to study. The electrodes measure nerve activity in the muscles.
Nerve conduction studies. Electrodes are taped to the skin above your nerves. A small shock is passed through the nerve to measure the speed of nerve signals.

Posted Sep 11, 2017 by Ysor 504

GBS can be difficult to diagnose. Typically a lumbar puncture is done and tested to see if there is protein in the spinal fluid, but there can be false positive results. Nerve conduction tests are also done to see how extensive the damage is. In many cases, a neurologist will eliminate other diseases with similar symptoms and diagnose GBS when nothing else is found.

Posted Sep 11, 2017 by Judi 869

Usually a neurologist, but any healthcare professional familiar with the GBS symptoms may make the correct initial diagnosis. Symptoms typically include leg weakness, ascending paralysis (numbness) usually beginning in the feet & gradually working upward into the legs.Severe low back pain is often present. Diagnosis is usually confirmed by lumbar puncture to obtain about 15cc of spinal fluid for lab diagnosis for protein level in the fluid - high protein levels confirm the GBS diagnosis.

Posted Sep 11, 2017 by Denny 2300

Basically by the process of elimination since there is no blood test or imaging that can diagnose it. Usually by a Neurologist.

Posted Oct 1, 2017 by John 2070

Through a lumber puncture. This is where they have to place a needle into your spinal column to extract spinal fluid to test you protein levels. A neurologist will recommend and carry this out. If these are sky high, along with other symptoms like pins and needles in feet, legs, hands and lips, partial paralysis in legs/arms Guillain Barre syndrome is diagnosed.

Posted Oct 25, 2017 by Chris 900

Spinal tap and in my experience I had went completely paralyzed overnight.

Posted Oct 27, 2017 by Amy 500

MRI
Nerve conduction studies
Lumbar puncture

Posted Oct 28, 2017 by Kath Donaldson 2065

Checking the reflexes and spinal tap

Posted Oct 28, 2017 by Holly 1400

Lumbar puncture is the gold standard although it needs to be done before the person begins to make the turn around and get stronger. LP shows increased protein due to demyelination of the nerves. Once the syndrome has progressed to the end of the damage it’s going to do, the fluid clears ups

EMG also is diagnostic but not my favorite test. For me, ouch. Most people don’t have pain with it.

Posted Jan 26, 2018 by Tracey 1100

Give your opinion on how Guillain-Barre Syndrome is diagnosed?

Sometimes, but not always, high protein levels can be found in the lower lumbar puncture,.... Otherwise known as a spinal tap. EMG and NCV test(s). A neurologist at a hospital emergency room at a major medical center, would most likely make the diagnosis because they see a lot of patients. Often, if a neurologist at a major medical center has enough experience, they can quickly diagnose with a physical examination and by discussing symptoms with the patient.

Which Medical Professionals/Specialists are essential for those diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome to seek care once they have been diagnosed?

A primary care physician, a neurologist and possibly other specialist, such as a urologist.

What tests are needed and other useful information for the diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome?
See the answers to the first question.

Posted Apr 2, 2018 by SurfNYC 2681

I was diagnosed initially by my GP and sent to A&E. I was given a lumber puncture to confirm the diagnosis.

Posted Jun 4, 2018 by Carl 400

Guillain-Barre is diagnosed by running blood work and making sure that other diseases can’t be the cause.

A neurological work up should be done with all blood tests.

A neurologist is going to be your best choice of doctor to talk to.

Posted Sep 8, 2019 by Tara32473 2570

Hospital
Doctor
Neurologist
Spinal tap is performed to test the spinal fluid
Bloodwork

Posted Sep 9, 2019 by Joe Wojtanowski 2500

Went to multiple drs and finally a Spinal tap was done

Posted May 3, 2020 by Gail 400