Guillain-Barre syndrome

The key to managing Guillain-Barré syndrome is to diagnose it early so that your child can get the care she needs.

Guillain-Barré is diagnosed based on your child’s symptoms and the results of some specific tests. A pediatrician or pediatric neurologist will examine your child, review her medical history and talk with you and your child about her symptoms.

There are three tests that the doctor may use to help diagnose Guillain-Barré:

• lumbar puncture (spinal tap): A special needle is placed into your child’s spinal canal (the area around the spinal cord) in her lower back, and a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is removed. (CSF is the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord.) Doctors test the fluid sample for signs of inflammation.
• electromyography and nerve conduction studies (EMG testing): These tests measure the electrical activity of nerves and muscles.
• magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test may be used to get a picture of your child’s spine. It’s used less frequently than lumbar puncture and EMG in diagnosing Guillain-Barré. However, if for some reason it’s not possible to do one of the first two tests, doctors make take an MRI of your child’s spine.

We work to get the most accurate information we can so that we can diagnose your child’s condition accurately and get her the treatment she needs. At the same time, we never forget that your child is a child, and not just a patient. The technologists and physicians at Children’s Hospital Boston who perform these tests specialize in working with children; they’ll talk with you, explain the test to your child and make her as comfortable as possible.

These tests are usually done without sedation or anesthesia. Sometimes, however, anesthesia may be needed. In all cases, we’ll work closely with you and carefully consider what’s best for your child.