Guillain-Barre syndrome after microvascular decompression for the treatment of cranial nerve diseases: a case report

A case of the Guillain-Barre' syndrome (GBS) occurring after microvascular decompression for the treatment of cranial nerve diseases is presented. Although the Guillain-Barre' syndrome has been reported after surgical procedures, our case is the first case that can be documented after microvascular decompression surgery in the literature. The exact pathophysiological reasons of the syndrome are still unknown. However, the most acceptable hypothesis for the association between GBS and surgery would be the transient immunosuppressed after surgery, rather than the surgery itself, could increase the risk of infections and also the cause of GBS. Moreover, potentially exogenous infections can induce the onset of GBS. The GBS may be an easily overlooked neurological complication, which may be very rarely encountered after MVD surgery. Some clinical symptoms like four limbs paresis, swallowing difficulties or respiratory failure must alert the surgeons. A CSF analysis and electromyography is necessary.