Which syndrome is associated with muscle weakness following flu-like symptoms?

Which syndrome is associated with muscle weakness following flu-like symptoms?

• A. Myasthenia gravis
• B. Guillain-Barré syndrome
• C. Multiple sclerosis
• D. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Answer: (B)

Guillain-Barré syndrome is characterized by the development of muscle weakness that often follows a viral infection or flu-like symptoms. This autoimmune disorder occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system. Common initial signs include tingling and weakness in the limbs, which can quickly progress. Many patients report having experienced a respiratory or gastrointestinal illness just prior to the onset of these symptoms, making the connection to flu-like symptoms particularly relevant. In Guillain-Barré syndrome, the weakness can vary in severity, and in some cases, it may lead to significant paralysis. The exact mechanism involves the immune response that leads to demyelination of the nerves, causing disrupted communication between the nerves and muscles. Recognizing this association with prior flu-like symptoms can be crucial for early diagnosis and management. While other conditions like myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis do involve muscle weakness, they don't typically have the specific flu-like symptom prodrome that is closely associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Thus, the strong link between viral infections and the onset of weakness makes Guillain-Barré syndrome the correct answer.

Guillain-Barré syndrome is characterized by the development of muscle weakness that often follows a viral infection or flu-like symptoms. This autoimmune disorder occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system. Common initial signs include tingling and weakness in the limbs, which can quickly progress. Many patients report having experienced a respiratory or gastrointestinal illness just prior to the onset of these symptoms, making the connection to flu-like symptoms particularly relevant.

In Guillain-Barré syndrome, the weakness can vary in severity, and in some cases, it may lead to significant paralysis. The exact mechanism involves the immune response that leads to demyelination of the nerves, causing disrupted communication between the nerves and muscles. Recognizing this association with prior flu-like symptoms can be crucial for early diagnosis and management.

While other conditions like myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis do involve muscle weakness, they don't typically have the specific flu-like symptom prodrome that is closely associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Thus, the strong link between viral infections and the onset of weakness makes Guillain-Barré syndrome the correct answer.