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Peer-reviewedCC BYCureus

Guillain-Barré Syndrome in a Patient With Cervical Myelopathy and Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Following a Fall: A Diagnostic Challenge.

  • Mariam Ahmed1
  • Muhammad Mohsin Khan2,3
  • Ali Kamal Sulaiman3
  • Tarek BinZabih3
  1. 1Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, QAT.
  2. 2Clinical Research, Dresden International University, Dresden, DEU.
  3. 3Neurosurgery, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, QAT.
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Abstract

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute autoimmune disease characterized by symmetrical weakness that develops over a few days to four weeks. Its diagnosis can be challenging when symptoms overlap with other conditions, such as lumbar spinal stenosis. We report the case of a 55-year-old man who presented with sudden lower-extremity weakness and bladder incontinence following a fall after alcohol intake. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis with compressive changes, which were initially considered the likely cause of his symptoms. However, the patient subsequently deteriorated, with investigations revealing positive results for Klebsiella and rhinovirus. Given the progression of his neurological deficits, GBS was suspected, and plasmapheresis was initiated. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis demonstrated albuminocytologic dissociation, while nerve conduction studies (NCS) showed severe widespread sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy, supporting the diagnosis. The patient showed significant neurological and functional improvement following treatment and rehabilitation. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of differentiating GBS from cervical spondylotic myelopathy in patients with pre-existing spinal pathology. Precise history-taking, serial neurological examinations, and appropriate investigations, including CSF analysis and NCS, are essential to avoid misdiagnosis and facilitate early management and improved patient outcomes.

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Cite

BibTeXRIS
BibTeX
@article{ahmed2026guillainbarré,
  title = {{Guillain-Barré Syndrome in a Patient With Cervical Myelopathy and Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Following a Fall: A Diagnostic Challenge.}},
  author = {Mariam Ahmed and Muhammad Mohsin Khan and Ali Kamal Sulaiman and Tarek BinZabih},
  journal = {Cureus},
  year = {2026},
  month = sep,
  doi = {10.7759/cureus.116588},
  url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42904114},
  note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY  - JOUR
TI  - Guillain-Barré Syndrome in a Patient With Cervical Myelopathy and Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Following a Fall: A Diagnostic Challenge.
AU  - Mariam Ahmed
AU  - Muhammad Mohsin Khan
AU  - Ali Kamal Sulaiman
AU  - Tarek BinZabih
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/09/20
JO  - Cureus
DO  - 10.7759/cureus.116588
UR  - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42904114
AB  - Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute autoimmune disease characterized by symmetrical weakness that develops over a few days to four weeks. Its diagnosis can be challenging when symptoms overlap with other conditions, such as lumbar spinal stenosis. We report the case of a 55-year-old man who presented with sudden lower-extremity weakness and bladder incontinence following a fall after alcohol intake. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cervical and lumbar spinal stenosis with compressive changes, which were initially considered the likely cause of his symptoms. However, the patient subsequently deteriorated, with investigations revealing positive results for Klebsiella and rhinovirus. Given the progression of his neurological deficits, GBS was suspected, and plasmapheresis was initiated. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis demonstrated albuminocytologic dissociation, while nerve conduction studies (NCS) showed severe widespread sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy, supporting the diagnosis. The patient showed significant neurological and functional improvement following treatment and rehabilitation. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges of differentiating GBS from cervical spondylotic myelopathy in patients with pre-existing spinal pathology. Precise history-taking, serial neurological examinations, and appropriate investigations, including CSF analysis and NCS, are essential to avoid misdiagnosis and facilitate early management and improved patient outcomes.
SN  - 2168-8184
ER  -