# Atypical Guillain-Barré Syndrome in a Young Adult: Diagnostic Challenges and Lessons Learned

**Authors:** Hannah Becker, Edena R Khoshaba, David A Ansell

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.82731 · Cureus · 2025-04-21

## TL;DR

This paper discusses a rare case of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in a young woman with unusual symptoms and delayed diagnosis.

## Contribution

The paper presents a unique case of atypical GBS in a young adult, emphasizing diagnostic challenges and lessons for clinicians.

## Key findings

- The patient's initial symptoms were primarily sensory deficits, which is uncommon for GBS.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed albuminocytologic dissociation, confirming GBS.
- Timely intervention and thorough neurological evaluation were crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

## Abstract

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare, immune-mediated polyneuropathy that typically presents with ascending weakness, areflexia, and sensory disturbances. This case highlights an atypical presentation of GBS in an 18-year-old female, whose initial symptoms included primarily sensory deficits following routine exercise. The diagnostic process was complicated by unremarkable initial laboratory and imaging findings, but cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed albuminocytologic dissociation, and electromyography confirmed acute demyelinating polyneuropathy. This case underscores the diagnostic challenges posed by atypical variants of GBS, the importance of thorough neurological evaluation, and the critical role of timely intervention in optimizing outcomes.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Guillain-Barré Syndrome (MONDO:0016218), GBS (MONDO:0007691)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** polyneuropathy (MESH:D011115), weakness (MESH:D018908), areflexia (MESH:D000071699), sensory deficits (MESH:D012678), GBS (MESH:D020275)

## Full text

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## Figures

2 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12094781/full.md

## References

7 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12094781/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12094781