CHSU Discovery

Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) has been recognized as a rare complication following infection with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). We report a case of GBS in a 69-year-old male with negative saliva test, but positive COVID serology. Considering that there were no other identifiable causes of infection, such as genitourinary or gastrointestinal, GBS-triggering medications, recent vaccinations, malignancy or rheumatological disorder, a post-COVID complication was strongly suspected due to the GBS-like presentation with eventual respiratory involvement. Due to the various clinical presentations of COVID, a lack of history or physical examination pointing to COVID can still precede GBS. In the context of an ongoing COVID pandemic, it is imperative for healthcare professionals to rule out post-COVID GBS in patients who present with muscle weakness or paresthesia after an asymptomatic or symptomatic COVID infection. Early diagnosis of GBS in COVID-19 patients is critical; management of the potentially severe disease course may require intensive care and mechanical ventilation.