How is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) Diagnosed?
GBS can be difficult to diagnose because several other conditions can cause similar symptoms. Your GP will refer you to hospital if they think you might have it or they are not sure what is causing your symptoms.
Examination
A GP or specialist may
- ask about your symptoms, such as when they started and whether they’re getting worse.
- examine your hands, feet or limbs to check for weakness or numbness
- ask if you’ve recently been ill, as GBS may follow an infection
- ask about risk factors or symptoms of other conditions such as toxins, alcohol, tick bites, diabetes, family history, etc.
- check your reflexes, such as whether your leg twitches when your knee is tapped, as people with GBS usually have absent or reduced reflexes.
Nerve Tests (EMG, neurophysiology)
To measure how your nerves are working, a specialist clinical neurophysiologist usually does these two tests at the same time.
- nerve conduction studies (NCS) – mild electric shocks are given through the skin to activate the nerves and measure the signals travelling along your arms and legs.
- electromyogram (EMG) – tiny needles are inserted into several muscles to record their electrical activity. This can show if there is damage to the axons.
In people with GBS, these tests will usually show that signals are not travelling along the nerves properly.
Lumbar Puncture
A lumbar puncture is a procedure to remove some fluid from around the spinal cord (the nerves running up the spine), known as cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF). It involves lying on one side and having a needle inserted into the base of the spine under local anesthetic.
The CSF usually has a raised protein level in GBS. The CSF may also show signs of other conditions with similar symptoms to GBS, such as an infection.
Occasionally the diagnosis may not be clear even after the tests, or it may take time to arrange the tests. The diagnosis usually becomes more obvious with time.
Welcome to our Guillain-Barré Syndrome Information Hub.
Here we breakdown what is happening to you or a loved in simple but proper terms. Our information is sourced from our Medical Advisory Board, medical texts, and recognised support providers.
If you have any questions after reading this that you feel haven’t been answered. Please get in touch with us, we will strive to point you in the right direction.
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