Neurology: Guillain-Barre syndrome: practice question

A General Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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General Medicine · Neurology: Guillain-Barre syndrome

Sample item

A patient develops progressive symmetric ascending weakness and areflexia after a diarrheal illness. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Guillain-Barre syndrome

Guillain-Barre syndrome is an acute immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy causing progressive weakness and reduced reflexes, sometimes with autonomic or respiratory compromise. Forced vital capacity should be monitored.

Option by option

  • A. Multiple sclerosis

    Multiple sclerosis produces CNS lesions with different neurological signs.

  • B. Parkinson disease

    Parkinson disease causes bradykinesia and rigidity.

  • C. Guillain-Barre syndrome (correct)

    Correct. Ascending weakness with areflexia is typical.

  • D. Myasthenia gravis

    Myasthenia causes fatigable weakness with preserved reflexes.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More General Medicine questions

Questions about this General Medicine question

What is the answer to this General Medicine question?

The best answer is C, Guillain-Barre syndrome. Guillain-Barre syndrome is an acute immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy causing progressive weakness and reduced reflexes, sometimes with autonomic or respiratory compromise.

Why is "Multiple sclerosis" not the answer?

Multiple sclerosis produces CNS lesions with different neurological signs.

Why is "Parkinson disease" not the answer?

Parkinson disease causes bradykinesia and rigidity.

Why is "Myasthenia gravis" not the answer?

Myasthenia causes fatigable weakness with preserved reflexes.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurology: Guillain-Barre syndrome in General Medicine. Forced vital capacity should be monitored.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Neurology: Guillain-Barre syndrome?

For each disease know the classic presentation, the best test, and the first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other General Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.