[Taste disturbance as an initial manifestation of Guillain-Barré syndrome in a 14-year-old girl].
We reported a 14-year-old girl who showed taste disturbance as an initial manifestation of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). After an upper respiratory infection, she initially complained of taste disturbance, diplopia and salivation, followed by weakness in the legs and numbness in the extremities. On admission, she showed taste deficiency for sweet and sour sense, and a decline of salty and bitter taste. Weakness in the legs and disappearance of deep tendon reflexes were also noticed. We considered that the findings of electrophysiological examinations would conform to demyelinating features. Laboratory examinations revealed an increase of memory T cells in the peripheral blood and an elevated level of myelin basic protein in the cerebrospinal fluid. Based on clinical features and laboratory data, the diagnosis of GBS was made. We should keep taste disturbance in mind as one of the signs of GBS.
Division of Child Neurology, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Tottori University Faculty of Medicine.
S
S
Dejima
T
T
Yamamoto
Y
Y
Maeoka
Y
Y
Maegaki
T
T
Hara
D000293:Adolescent; D004594:Electrophysiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid; D011129:Polyradiculoneuropathy / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D013601:T-Lymphocytes; D013651:Taste Disorders / Q000209:etiology*
D004676:Myelin Basic Protein