Radicular pain [sciatica in arms or legs], painful paresthesiae [ funny feelings], and muscle pains of sudden onset could precede paralyzing Guillain–Barré syndrome by up to 2 weeks in 36% of cases. Preceding diarrhea illness (suggesting connected Campylobacter jejuni infection] occurred in 34% cases and preceding respiratory / influenza like illness in 37% cases. Worth being careful to follow these cases closely.
Neurology. 2010 Sep 22. [Epub ahead of print]
Pain in Guillain-Barre syndrome. A long-term follow-up study.
Ruts L, Drenthen J, Jongen JL, Hop WC, Visser GH, Jacobs BC, van Doorn PA
abstract here
- Guillain – Barre is an acute illness leading to ascending (feet up) paralysis that left untreated can lead to death.
- Gastroenteritis with diarrhea or respiratory/influenza illness with cough can precede 2/3 of cases
- Peripheral neuropathy with
- neck or back pains radiating down arms or legs in 22%
- paresthesias 30%
- muscle pains 52%
- Pain levels were often 2-4/10 pain level and occurred in :
- low back 35%
- Interscapular – 28%
- Extremities – 70%
- Neck – 28%
- Trunk 11%
- Pains would persist into paralytic phase
- Antiganglioside antibodies are sometimes positive
- 1/2 develop cranial nerve involvement and 87% have sensory symptoms during illness.
Comment – they say one sees what one knows – well, now you know…