Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Another eponymous syndrome named by a French physician at the turn of the century.

• It is an acute, inflammatory, post-infectious, ascending polyneuropathy (2:100,000).
• Caused by (??): post viral (often: Campylobacter jejuni or CMV) cell mediated response against peripheral gangliosides. 
• Polyneuropathy begins peripherally and progresses centrally - if it reaches respiratory/bulbar areas this is bad.
• Often causes autonomic dysfunction (sweating, tachycardia, dysrhthmias)
• CSF shows lots of protein  (>5.5g/L)
• Develops over around 4 weeks.
• Most important investigation: spirometry

So to remember these random facts I think of this knight character: Sir Guillain-Barre...

 * boot camp - to reflect that neuropathy often begins in feet (boot) and most commonly caused by CAMPylobacter Jejuni.
** also note pronounciation - gwee-awn barr-ay (in your best french accent)