Reports of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) have emerged during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. An epidemiological and cohort study sought to investigate any causative association between COVID-19 infection and GBS. Early reports identified neurological symptoms of COVID-19 infection as fever, headache anosmia, and dysgeusia. Subsequently, COVID-19 infection has been associated with stroke, meningoencephalitis, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS).

Although it is profoundly difficult to prove no link in a rare disease, the study does not support any significant causal link between COVID-19 infection and GBS.  If you have ever cared for a resident with GBS, it is a frightening syndrome that can lead to ventilator dependence and/or death. It is good news that research was done that can put our minds at ease that there is likely no association. Stay the course, stay strong, stay well, mask up and stay tuned.