Cardiac conduction abnormalities during carbamazepine therapy for neuralgia following Guillain-Barré syndrome.

A 61-year-old man without previous medical history was admitted for Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Carbamazepine was prescribed on day 72 for dysesthesia occurring at the time of recovery. Subsequently, severe cardiac conduction disturbances (asystole, atrioventricular block) were observed and a permanent pacemaker had to be inserted. The possible relationship between carbamazepine therapy and cardiac side effects is discussed in this condition, as GBS itself is often complicated by cardiac arrhythmias.