Answer and Explanation 19

19.  Choice C is the correct answer.  This patient has a presentation that is concerning for Guillian Barre Syndrome (GBS).  The diagnosis can be confirmed with a lumbar puncture.  This patient should be admitted to the hospital.  Patients who cannot walk should not be discharged home from the Emergency Room.  GBS has been associated with a brief diarrheal illness sometimes usually 2-3 weeks before the onset of symptoms.  Other antecedent infections that have been associated with it include campylobacter jejuni, infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus,  herpes, and mycoplasma.  Steroids have not been shown to be effective in GBS.