Diagnostics

Cerebrospinal fluid: albuminocytologic dissociation [6]

• ↑ Protein levels and normal white blood cell count in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

• CSF cell counts higher than 50 cells per μl CSF indicate that GBS is unlikely

Serological screening [6]

• To identify potential pathogens (e.g., Campylobacter jejuni)

• Detection of antibodies directed against gangliosides (e.g., anti-GM1 antibodies)

Electroneurography [6]

• ↓ Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) due to demyelination

• ↑ F‑wave latency

Electromyography

• Signs of denervation: characteristic of axonal lesions

• Pathologic spontaneous activity (unfavorable prognostic sign)

Respiratory function

• Assess for respiratory muscle exhaustion. [11]

• Assess for clinical features of respiratory distress (e.g., dyspnea, respiratory rate).

• Regularly monitor vital capacity, maximal inspiratory pressure, and maximal expiratory pressure. [11]

ECG: autonomic cardiac dysregulation → impaired heart frequency variation