Reply To: Undiagnosed – unusual deterioration course

Guillain-Barré is considered a medical emergency because it can cause impairment of breathing. In some cases, the paralysis progresses very rapidly, so it is indeed a real emergency. More typically, the rate of decline is slow enough to allow time for the diagnosis to be made and treatment to be started. In any case, earlier treatment generally leads to better outcomes.

Try to get a neurological examination as soon as possible. If your primary physician won’t cooperate with this, I would try to change doctors. Don’t take no for an answer. You are entitled to a competent diagnosis, in my opinion.