Autonomic instability and hypertension resulting in subarachnoid haemorrhage in the Guillain-Barré syndrome

Abstract

We report the case of a 47-year-old woman with Guillain-Barré syndrome who developed autonomic instability and hypertension and subsequently developed a subarachnoid haemorrhage. This was manifested clinically by a seizure which began focally and became generalised. Computer tomography demonstrated a localised haemorrhage in the left central sulcus. Control of the hypertension was achieved with intravenous labetolol. Autonomic instability and hypertension are frequently reported in Guillain-Barré syndrome. Subarachnoid haemorrhage is an uncommon but serious complication.