Neurology: Guillain-Barre syndrome: practice question

A Pediatrics 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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Pediatrics · Neurology: Guillain-Barre syndrome

Sample item

A 6-year-old has ascending symmetrical weakness with areflexia 2 weeks after a diarrhoeal illness. CSF shows protein of 150 mg/dl with 2 cells per microlitre. What is the best treatment?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. IV immunoglobulin 2 g/kg over 2 to 5 days

GBS is an acute demyelinating polyneuropathy, and IVIG or plasmapheresis hastens recovery. Albuminocytological dissociation in CSF is typical. Respiratory function and autonomic instability need monitoring, and steroids are not beneficial. Campylobacter jejuni is a common trigger.

Option by option

  • A. Oral steroids

    Steroids do not help GBS.

  • B. Antibiotics

    Antibiotics do not treat the immune neuropathy.

  • C. IV immunoglobulin 2 g/kg over 2 to 5 days (correct)

    Correct. IVIG is standard therapy.

  • D. Neostigmine

    Neostigmine is used for myasthenia.

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.

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Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is C, IV immunoglobulin 2 g/kg over 2 to 5 days. GBS is an acute demyelinating polyneuropathy, and IVIG or plasmapheresis hastens recovery.

Why is "Oral steroids" not the answer?

Steroids do not help GBS.

Why is "Antibiotics" not the answer?

Antibiotics do not treat the immune neuropathy.

Why is "Neostigmine" not the answer?

Neostigmine is used for myasthenia.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Neurology: Guillain-Barre syndrome in Pediatrics. Albuminocytological dissociation in CSF is typical. Respiratory function and autonomic instability need monitoring, and steroids are not beneficial. Campylobacter jejuni is a common trigger.

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?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics 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.