PAPILLEDEMA IN THE GUILLAIN-BARRÉ SYNDROME

Abstract

PAPILLEDEMA is an infrequently reported finding in the Guillain-Barré syndrome. A recently studied case is reported here, together with a review of the available literature and a discussion of the mechanism of the production of papilledema in the Guillain-Barré syndrome. Since the original description, in 1916, by Guillain, Barré, and Strohl¹ of "a syndrome of radiculoneuritis with increased spinal fluid protein without cellular response," a rather characteristic clinical picture has come to be known and recognized by the clinician as the Guillain-Barré syndrome. The originally emphasized albuminocytologic dissociation continues to be the most important single diagnostic feature. The protein is always elevated and may exceed 1,000 mg. per 100 cc. Nonspecific alterations in the colloidal gold curve are usually obtained. The composite clinical picture² usually includes an antecedent history of infection of the upper respiratory tract. Within a matter of days or weeks the typical syndrome begins with