Table 2 Important complications of Guillain–Barré syndrome

From: Diagnosis and management of Guillain–Barré syndrome in ten steps

Complication

When to be alert

Choking

Bulbar palsy

Cardiac arrhythmias

All patients

Hospital-acquired infections (e.g., pneumonia, sepsis or urinary tract infection)

Bulbar and facial palsy, immobility, bladder dysfunction, mechanical ventilation

Pain and tactile allodynia

Limited communication

Delirium

Limited communication

Depression

Limited communication

Urinary retention

All patients

Constipation

Immobility

Corneal ulceration

Facial palsy

Dietary deficiency

Bulbar and facial palsy

Hyponatraemia

All patients

Pressure ulcers

Immobility

Compression neuropathy

Immobility

Limb contractures and ossifications

Severe weakness for prolonged period of time

  1. Important complications of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS)72. Most of these complications can occur in any patient with GBS, at any time, but the second column shows when they are most likely to occur and/or when to be especially alert.
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