Guilliam-Barre syndrome. A rare differential diagnosis of sciatica

Introduction: Diagnosis of Guillian-Barre Syndrome usually is not difficult , but diagnostic failure occurs for the variable initial presentation. Diag nosis is based on physical examination showing loss of motor strengh in mor e than one limb and loss of deep tendon reflexes. Ventilatory assistance, p harmacologic maintenance of cardiovascular homeostasis, corticosteroids, Ig G and plasma exchange are the dominant therapeutic measures. Case: This art icle 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 Guillian-Barre Syndrome with persisting motor weakness of the legs. Co nclusion: 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 Guillian-Barre-Syndrome will eliminate delay in diagnosis.