Guillain–Barré syndrome associated with COVID-19: a case report

Guillain–Barré syndrome is an acute and rapidly progressive autoimmune disease that affects the peripheral nervous system. The major manifestations are limb paresthesia, muscle weakness, and/or flaccid paralysis. The disease is often associated with previous infections, such as respiratory or gastrointestinal ones. During the COVID-19 pandemic, evidence emerged suggesting that over 30% of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 presented with neurological symptoms. These symptoms may appear at various stages of the disease and include headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of smell (anosmia), and loss of taste (ageusia). However, COVID-19 can also cause more severe complications such as encephalomyelitis, acute myelitis, thromboembolic disorders, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, Guillain–Barré syndrome, Bell’s palsy, and rhabdomyolysis. Guillain–Barré syndrome is characterized by a rapid progression of muscle weakness that can lead to respiratory muscle paralysis and respiratory failure, requiring immediate medical intervention. The article reports a clinical case of Guillain–Barré syndrome associated with COVID-19. This case report emphasizes the importance of prompt diagnosis of neurological complications in patients with COVID-19 to improve prognosis and reduce the risk of long-term complications.