How to Diagnose Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare disorder that causes progressive weakening of the muscles, sometimes resulting in complete paralysis. Following symptom onset, the condition frequently worsens for approximately two weeks. The good news is that symptoms then stabilize and recovery begins in two to four weeks, with an excellent prognosis for most people. To diagnose Guillain-Barre Syndrome, your doctor may order a test that samples your spinal fluid, as well as tests to measure muscle and nerve activity. Read on to learn how to diagnose Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Write down your symptoms so your doctor can correctly diagnose Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Note when symptoms began, whether they traveled up your body and whether you had a recent vaccination or infection. Document any other autoimmune problems you have had, and list any relatives who have had Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
2. Have your reflexes checked. Your doctor will lightly tap your ankles, knees, wrists and elbows with a small reflex hammer to assess your response. Guillain-Barre Syndrome can diminish reflexes, but this may not occur right away. Other tests are generally needed to diagnose Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
3. Prepare yourself for a lumbar puncture or spinal tap. During this procedure, a needle is inserted into the spinal canal at the lower part of your back. The fluid withdrawn from your spine will be tested to measure elevated protein levels that signal Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
4. Know what to expect from a lumbar puncture. You will receive a local anesthetic to numb the area, but be aware that a lumbar puncture can be painful when the needle is inserted into the spinal cord. After this test, you will be observed in the hospital for a few hours.
5. Measure muscle function with electromyography. During this procedure, a slender needle electrode is inserted into a muscle. When you contract that muscle, the electrode senses whether muscle weakness is due to muscle or nerve damage.
6. Assess nerve conduction velocity with an electrical test. In this procedure, electrodes are attached to the skin along the path of a nerve. The nerve is given a slight shock that allows measurement of how quickly the nerve transmits the impulse.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't ignore symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Paralysis can set in and make it difficult to get help if you are alone.