investigations
Last reviewed 02/2023
Key investigations in Guillain-Barre syndrome show:
- CSF protein is elevated in most patients after the second or third week of illness. The gamma globulin fraction is usually raised. Cells, usually monocytic, are found in 20% of cases, but the characteristic appearance is one of an elevated protein level without cells.
- nerve conduction - prolonged conduction velocities are a late phenomenon
- virology - occasionally, rising titres to specific viruses may be found
- Campylobacter serology should be performed as positive titres identify a group with a poorer prognosis
Forced vital capacity measurements should be used to assess the progression of the disease and predict the need for respiratory support.