Rehabilitation challenges and progress in a patient with sensory ataxic Guillain-Barré syndrome: a case report.
Tokio Kinoshita, Shinji Kawasaki, Yohei Furotani et al.
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Case in brief
A 75-year-old man with sensory ataxic Guillain–Barré syndrome presented with abnormal sensations and severe limb and trunk ataxia, leaving him dependent for activities of daily living. Strength was largely preserved apart from mild right-hand weakness; cerebrospinal fluid showed albuminocytologic dissociation, and nerve conduction studies showed poor sensory responses. Rehabilitation emphasized maintaining strength and joint range while providing assistance for standing, gait, balance, and daily activities. After 21 weeks in a rehabilitation hospital, he could transfer and mobilize independently by wheelchair and walk with a walker under supervision, but could not walk independently. His ataxia score improved from 31 to 20.
What made this case unusual
Despite largely preserved muscle strength, severe sensory ataxia caused profound functional dependence and persistent difficulty regaining independent ambulation after IVIg.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
In sensory ataxic Guillain–Barré syndrome, severe ataxia can limit function despite near-normal strength; rehabilitation may need to prioritize preventing functional decline while sensory recovery is slow.