Sequelae of Grébain syndrome
Oct 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Complications of Guillain-Barré syndrome include autonomic dysfunction, reflex abnormalities, and sensory disturbances. Autonomic dysfunction results from temporary dysregulation of the autonomic nerves controlling the bladder or damage to spinal nerves innervating the external sphincter. Sensory disturbances typically begin with paresthesia and numbness in the extremities, gradually progressing to spontaneous pain.
Generally, sequelae of Guillain-Barré syndrome include autonomic dysfunction, reflex abnormalities, and sensory disturbances.
1. Autonomic dysfunction: During the recovery phase, patients may experience excessive sweating with strong-smelling perspiration, possibly due to stimulation of the sympathetic nerves. A minority of patients may have short-term urinary retention early in the disease, which could result from temporary dysfunction of the autonomic nerves controlling the bladder or damage to spinal nerves innervating the external sphincter. Some patients may also develop unstable blood pressure, tachycardia, and abnormal electrocardiogram findings.
2. Reflex abnormalities: Typically, tendon reflexes in all four limbs are symmetrically diminished or absent, while abdominal and cremasteric reflexes remain normal. In a small number of patients, pathological reflexes may appear due to compression of the pyramidal tract.
3. Sensory disturbances: Symptoms usually begin with tingling and numbness in the extremities, gradually progressing to spontaneous pain, tenderness, and marked symptoms in the calf muscles and forearm muscle angles.
