Presenting symptoms

Symptoms occur in the context of each patient's unique pattern of focal deficit. Neurological examination may reveal “no focal deficits”. Patients may present with facial weakness mimicking Bell palsy; together with varying degrees of weakness and/or unsteadiness;

Mild cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome may present only with ataxia (difficulty in walking and balancing), whereas severe cases may present with difficulty in respiration due to paralysis the respiratory muscles and cranial nerves.

Patients often appear to be nauseated and in a state of total exhaustion, marked by a haggard appearance. Neurological examination may be otherwise normal.

Cues & clues: Change in pitch range of the voice; Speech difficulties, ie. slurred speech; Facial weakness, dysphasia or dysarthria; early severe ptosis "drooping eyelid," with or without other signs of oculomotor weakness.

SOURCE: Guillain Barre overlap syndrome

http://www.geocities.com/target_sites/issues/Overlap.HTM