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CORTICOSPINAL TRACT INVOLVEMENT IN A VARIANT OF GUILLAIN‐BARRÉ SYNDROME
Author(s) -
Oshima Y,
Mitsui T,
Endo I,
Umaki Y,
Matsumoto T.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
journal of the peripheral nervous system
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1529-8027
pISSN - 1085-9489
DOI - 10.1046/j.1529-8027.2002.2008_13.x
Subject(s) - hyperreflexia , pleocytosis , acute motor axonal neuropathy , guillain barre syndrome , corticospinal tract , medicine , weakness , h reflex , anesthesia , f wave , muscle weakness , pyramidal tracts , nerve conduction study , stimulation , reflex , nerve conduction velocity , cerebrospinal fluid , nerve conduction , surgery , anatomy , pediatrics , magnetic resonance imaging , diffusion mri , radiology
To determine the involvement of the corticospinal tract in Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS), we examined central motor conduction in patients with GBS‐like symptoms and hyperreflexia using a magnetic stimulation technique. The subjects were 3 patients who exhibited ascending muscle weakness 2–4 weeks after preceding infections. Deep tendon reflexes were exaggerated in all four limbs of the 3 patients. The results of cerebrospinal fluid examinations revealed protein elevation without pleocytosis. The serum anti‐GM(1) antibody titer was elevated in 2 patients. The results of nerve conduction study revealed axonal motor neuropathy and normal F‐wave conduction. Central motor conduction time (CMCT) in patients with hyperreflexia was significantly delayed compared to that in patients with GBS and areflexia (p < 0.001), and the delayed CMCTs were significantly improved in the recovery periods (p < 0.001). Although hyperreflexia is a controversial symptom in patients with GBS, these findings indicate that there is functional corticospinal tract involvement in patients with a GBS variant.