Synchronous Occurrence of Guillain-Barre Syndrome and Transverse Myelitis of Unknown Etiology in an Adolescent

Synchronous occurrence of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and acute transverse myelitis (ATM) happens very rarely in childhood. Only a few cases of these conditions occurring simultaneously have been reported and represent a diagnostic challenge. We describe a case of a 17-year-old male presenting with acute onset of bilateral symmetrical numbness and tingling starting in the feet that rapidly ascended to the legs with associated motor weakness, associated with a sensory level and urinary retention. Albuminocytologic dissociation on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis was consistent with GBS. MRI spine revealed an area of increased T2 signal involving the dorsal aspect of the left side of the cord at the C7 level. The patient was treated with IV methylprednisolone and IV immunoglobulin with significant improvement. This report emphasizes the rarity of this synchronous occurrence in children and the need for further reports to understand the mechanism and better treatment approaches.