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.
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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)
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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)
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