Dry Beriberi and Acute Motor-Sensory Axonal Neuropathy-Induced Paralysis: A Case Report.

Acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) is a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and a rare cause of paralysis. AMSAN can present similarly to axonal neuropathy caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, which is known as dry beriberi. Subtle differences in clinical presentation and diagnostic differences in nerve conduction studies (NCS) and electromyography (EMG) can aid in differentiating the two conditions. It is possible to develop both conditions simultaneously, which poses unique challenges. We present a case of a woman who had diagnostic and clinical symptoms of both conditions, and discuss our management and the outcome of the patient.