Diagnosing Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) involves a comprehensive assessment by a medical professional, typically a neurologist or other specialist experienced in neurological disorders. The process of Guillain-Barre Syndrome diagnosis revolves around a combination of clinical evaluation, neurological tests, and sometimes additional investigations.

1. Clinical History: The medical professional will start by taking a detailed history of symptoms and their progression. This includes noting when symptoms first appeared, how quickly they developed, and whether there were any preceding infections or vaccinations, as GBS often follows a recent viral or bacterial infection.

2. Physical Examination: A thorough neurological examination is conducted to assess muscle strength, reflexes, sensation, coordination, and other neurological functions. The presence of symmetrical muscle weakness, diminished reflexes (hyporeflexia or areflexia), and sensory abnormalities often raise suspicion for GBS.

3. Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): NCS are specialised tests that evaluate the speed and strength of electrical signals as they travel along nerves. In GBS, nerve conduction velocities are typically slowed or absent due to damage to the myelin sheath or nerve axons.

4. Electromyography (EMG): EMG is often performed in conjunction with NCS to assess the electrical activity of muscles. Abnormal EMG findings, such as prolonged muscle response times or reduced muscle activity, can support the diagnosis of GBS.

5. Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): A lumbar puncture may be recommended to analyse cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for elevated protein levels without an increase in white blood cells (albuminocytologic dissociation). This is a characteristic finding in GBS and helps differentiate it from other neurological conditions.

6. MRI or CT Scan: Imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans are generally performed to rule out other potential causes of neurological symptoms, such as spinal cord compression or brain abnormalities.

7. Clinical Criteria: Diagnosis of GBS is often based on clinical criteria established by expert consensus, which consider the pattern of symptoms, neurological examination findings, and results of ancillary tests.

These criteria help guide clinicians in making an accurate diagnosis and initiating timely treatment.

Guillain-Barré syndrome treatment plans aim to manage symptoms, accelerate recovery, and prevent complications. The approach typically involves a combination of supportive care, immunotherapy, and monitoring for potential complications. Here’s how GBS is treated by medical professionals:

1. Supportive Care: Initially, patients with GBS often require close monitoring in a hospital setting, especially if they experience severe muscle weakness or respiratory involvement. Supportive care includes measures to maintain adequate nutrition, prevent complications like bedsores or deep vein thrombosis, and provide respiratory support if necessary.

2. Immunotherapy: The cornerstone of treatment for GBS involves immunotherapy to modulate the immune response and reduce the attack on peripheral nerves. The two main types of immunotherapy used are:

• Intravenous (Immunoglobulin (IVIG): High-dose IVIG, administered over several days, is commonly used in the treatment of GBS. IVIG contains pooled antibodies from healthy donors and is believed to help suppress the autoimmune response.
  
• Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis): Plasma exchange involves removing a patient’s blood plasma, which contains harmful antibodies, and replacing it with donor plasma or a plasma substitute. This process helps to clear the antibodies responsible for damaging nerves.
  

3. Pain Management: Pain, which can be significant in GBS, is managed with medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, or neuropathic pain medications like gabapentin or pregabalin.

4. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: As patients begin to recover from the acute phase of GBS, physical and occupational therapy play crucial roles in restoring muscle strength, coordination, and functional independence. Rehabilitation programs are tailored to each patient’s specific needs and may continue for weeks to months.

5. Monitoring and Complications Management: Close monitoring for potential complications, such as respiratory failure, autonomic dysfunction, and infections, is essential throughout the course of treatment. Intensive care management may be required for patients with severe forms of GBS.

6. Long-Term Follow-Up: After the acute phase of GBS, patients are typically followed up closely to monitor their recovery progress, manage any residual symptoms or complications, and address psychological and social aspects of recovery.

The treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome is multidisciplinary, involving neurologists, physiatrists, intensivists, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists working together to provide comprehensive care.