Guillain-Barre syndrome.: A rare differential diagnosis of sciatica

Introduction: Diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome usually is not difficult, but diagnostic failure occurs for the variable initial presentation. Diagnosis is based on physical examination showing loss of motor strength in more than one limb and loss of deep tendon reflexes. Ventilatory assistance, pharmacologic maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis, corticosteroids, IgG and plasma exchange are the dominant therapeutic measures. Case: This article reports on a case of a 59-year old surgeon suffering from degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine. The patient developed a severe course of the Guillain-Barre Syndrome with persisting motor weakness of the legs. Conclusion: If the primary problem at presentation is limb and back pain the pathology appears to be in the musculoskeletal rather than in neurological system. The awareness of this presentation of Guillain-Barre syndrome will eliminate delay in diagnosis.