A Rare New Variant with Mixed Pathology and Unilateral Facial Nerve Palsy: Guillain Barre Syndrome

Abstract

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune condition characterised by acute, rapidly progressive ascending paralysis involving the bilateral cranial nerves. The facial nerve is the most typically affected nerve, which is usually bilateral but can also be unilateral. In this case, we have a very rare case of unilateral facial nerve palsy in GBS. The electrophysiological tests including blink study are important in such cases. Our patient experienced demyelinating polyneuropathy in upper and lower limb motor nerves, as well as motor axonopathy in both facial nerves (left > right), which is an unusual combination in GBS patients. This can be a new variant seen in GBS patients which is first of its kind.