Corticospinal tract involvement in a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Abstract

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.

• Authors: Y Oshima, T Mitsui, I Endo, Y Umaki, T Matsumoto
• Journal: European neurology (Eur Neurol) Vol. 46 Issue 1 Pg. 39-42 ( 2001) ISSN: 0014-3022 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 11455182 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Axons (physiology)
• Evoked Potentials, Motor (physiology)
• Female
• Guillain-Barre Syndrome (physiopathology)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neural Conduction (physiology)
• Physical Stimulation
• Pyramidal Tracts (physiopathology)
• Reflex, Abnormal (physiology)