Neurology
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Ascending weakness with areflexia, NCS + LP, IVIG / plasma exchange, monitor respiratory function (FVC).
Source: ABN 2019; UK consensus
Step 1 of ~4
info
Recognise
Progressive ascending symmetric weakness + areflexia developing over <4 weeks. Often preceded by infection (Campylobacter, CMV, EBV, mycoplasma, COVID-19, vaccine). Variants: AIDP (most common), AMAN, AMSAN, Miller-Fisher (ophthalmoplegia + ataxia + areflexia).
• Bloods: anti-ganglioside antibodies (anti-GQ1b for Miller-Fisher), HIV/hepatitis screen, B12, TFTs, glucose.
• LP: ↑ protein with normal cells (cytoalbuminologic dissociation; may be normal in first week).
• Nerve conduction studies: demyelinating pattern.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Drugs
- Poractant Alfa (Porcine Surfactant) · Lung Surfactant (Respiratory Distress Syndrome — Neonatal)
- Neostigmine · Anticholinesterase (Reversal Agent)
- Prilocaine · Local Anaesthetic (Amide)
- Mepivacaine with adrenaline · Amide LA + vasoconstrictor
- Neostigmine with glycopyrronium · Anticholinesterase + antimuscarinic
- Lidocaine hydrochloride · Amide local anaesthetic / Class IB antiarrhythmic
Pathways
- Acute Stroke / TIA Assessment · NICE NG128; RCP Stroke Guidelines 2023
- Status Epilepticus (Adults) · NICE CG137; ESEM guidelines; RCP Neurology Guidelines
- Suspected Subarachnoid Haemorrhage · NICE NG228; RCEM 2023; AHA/ASA 2023
- Adult Head Injury · NICE NG232 (2023)
- Bell's Palsy / Facial Nerve Palsy · ENT UK 2017; AAN
- Vertigo Workup · ENT UK; NICE CKS
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