Feature GBS TM Myasthenia Gravis (MG) Periodic Paralysis (PP) Myositis Affected Area Peripheral nerves Spinal cord Neuromuscular junction Muscle cells Muscle tissue Cause Autoimmune Varied (infection, autoimmune, idiopathic) Autoimmune Genetic, metabolic disorders Autoimmune, infection, medications Weakness Ascending (starts in legs, progresses upwards), often symmetrical Varies (legs, arms, all extremities), may be asymmetrical Specific muscle groups (eyes, face, swallowing muscles) Episodic weakness, attacks triggered by factors like eating, potassium shift Proximal muscles (shoulders, hips) often affected Sensory Symptoms Numbness, tingling, prickling (common) Numbness, tingling, burning pain (below lesion level) Less common No sensory symptoms Pain, tenderness in affected muscles Reflexes Diminished or absent (hyporeflexia) Variable (normal, reduced, absent) Normal Normal Normal or hyperreflexia Progression Rapid over days/weeks, plateaus/worsens briefly before improvement Rapid or gradual, depends on cause Fluctuates throughout the day, worsens with activity, improves with rest Episodic attacks lasting hours to days Gradual or sudden onset, may be chronic Autonomic Dysfunction Rare Possible No No No Bladder/Bowel Dysfunction Rare Common No No No CSF Analysis Elevated protein, normal white blood cell count Elevated white blood cell count, increased protein levels Normal Normal Normal EMG/NCS Abnormalities consistent with demyelination Variable, may be normal initially Abnormal neuromuscular transmission Normal between attacks, abnormal during attacks Myopathic changes