Which CSF finding is characteristic of Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Which CSF finding is characteristic of Guillain-Barré syndrome?

• A. Elevated protein with normal cell count (albuminocytologic dissociation)
• B. Increased white cells with high protein
• C. Decreased protein content
• D. Blood in CSF

Answer: (A)

Guillain-Barré syndrome often shows albuminocytologic dissociation in the CSF, meaning elevated protein with a normal or near-normal cell count. This reflects breakdown of the myelin and increased permeability of the blood-nerve barrier, allowing more protein to leak into the CSF without a brisk inflammatory cell response. The protein rise usually appears after about a week of symptoms, so early in the disease the CSF may still be normal. The other patterns—many white cells with high protein, decreased protein, or blood in the CSF—point to other conditions such as meningitis, different CNS/inflammatory processes, or hemorrhage, not Guillain-Barré.

Guillain-Barré syndrome often shows albuminocytologic dissociation in the CSF, meaning elevated protein with a normal or near-normal cell count. This reflects breakdown of the myelin and increased permeability of the blood-nerve barrier, allowing more protein to leak into the CSF without a brisk inflammatory cell response. The protein rise usually appears after about a week of symptoms, so early in the disease the CSF may still be normal. The other patterns—many white cells with high protein, decreased protein, or blood in the CSF—point to other conditions such as meningitis, different CNS/inflammatory processes, or hemorrhage, not Guillain-Barré.