Which finding is typical of Guillain-Barré syndrome upon examination?

Which finding is typical of Guillain-Barré syndrome upon examination?

• A. Decreased deep tendon reflexes
• B. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
• C. Normal reflexes
• D. Absent plantar responses only

Answer: (A)

Guillain-Barré syndrome is an acute inflammatory polyneuropathy that damages peripheral nerves, disrupting the reflex arc. Because conduction in these nerves is impaired, the deep tendon reflexes become diminished or absent in the affected limbs (hyporeflexia or areflexia), often symmetrically as weakness progresses. This pattern distinguishes it from conditions with upper motor neuron involvement, which cause hyperreflexia, and from those with normal reflexes. The reflex changes in GBS are typically widespread rather than isolated to a single site, so decreased deep tendon reflexes are the typical exam finding.

Guillain-Barré syndrome is an acute inflammatory polyneuropathy that damages peripheral nerves, disrupting the reflex arc. Because conduction in these nerves is impaired, the deep tendon reflexes become diminished or absent in the affected limbs (hyporeflexia or areflexia), often symmetrically as weakness progresses. This pattern distinguishes it from conditions with upper motor neuron involvement, which cause hyperreflexia, and from those with normal reflexes. The reflex changes in GBS are typically widespread rather than isolated to a single site, so decreased deep tendon reflexes are the typical exam finding.