Autonomic dysfunction in Guillain Barre syndrome
What autonomic dysfunction is seen in Guillain Barre syndrome ?
About two-thirds of patients with GBS have some degree of dysautonomia. In fact, dysautonomia is an important cause of death in patients with severe GBS.
During the acute phase of the disease overactivity of the sympathetic system manifesting as episodes of hypertension, tachycardia, and hyperhidrosis is usually seen.
Failure of the parasympathetic system mostly occurs in the recovery phase.
Episodes of severe hypertension can alternate with episodes of hypotension.
Sinus tachycardia, severe bradyarrhythmias, orthostatic hypotension, and cardiac arrest are also seen.
Other less common symptoms of autonomic dysfunction include episodes of flushing, urinary incontinence or retention, constipation, fecal incontinence, gastroparesis, sudomotor dysfunction, and pupillary abnormalities.
