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Allan H. Ropper, MD

Arch Neurol. 1986;43(11):1150-1152.

Abstract
• Limited regional forms of the Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and unusual focal signs or symptoms that resemble other illnesses are described: (1) pharyngeal-cervical-brachial weakness with ptosis, sparing power, and reflexes in the legs; (2) paraparesis with normal power and reflexes in the arms; (3) early severe ptosis without other signs of oculomotor weakness; and (4) acute severe midline back pain at the onset. The first two variants did not progress to typical generalized GBS, delaying the proper diagnosis. Regional and functional variants suggest that the pathologic, and perhaps immunologic abnormalities of GBS can be localized and selective.

Author Affiliations
From the Neurological/Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.

Footnotes
Accepted for publication July 22, 1986.

Reprint requests to Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 (Dr Ropper).

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