Guillain-Barré Syndrome with Absent Brainstem Reflexes: A Case Report
  • Susana Gordon Chaves
    Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Central do Funchal
  • Teresa Carolina Aguiar
    Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Central do Funchal
  • Margarida Câmara
    Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Central do Funchal
  • Júlio Nóbrega
    Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Central do Funchal
  • Orlando Sousa
    Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Central do Funchal

Abstract

A 41-year-old man was admitted to an intensive care unit following respiratory arrest. One day prior to admission, he had complaints of nausea and pain involving lower limbs. On the night of admission he developed diplopia, dysphagia, and rapidly progressive quadriparesis. He developed respiratory failure requiring mechanical lung ventilation 24 hours later. On the fifth day of hospital stay the patient became comatose with absent brainstem reflexes and appeared to be brain dead. The cerebrospinal fluid showed albuminocytological dissociation. The electroencephalogram revealed an alpha rhythmical activity. The electrophysiological evaluation revealed an inexcitability of all nerves. Guillain-Barré syndrome was suspected. With supportive treatment the patient had a remarkable recovery and now is able to independently conduct his daily activities.

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    Published: 2014-02-21
    Issue: Vol. 1 (2014) (view)


    How to cite:
    1.
    Chaves SG, Aguiar TC, Câmara M, Nóbrega J, Sousa O. Guillain-Barré Syndrome with Absent Brainstem Reflexes: A Case Report. EJCRIM 2014;1 doi:10.12890/2014_000056.

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