Diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome begins with a medical history and physical exam. A test called a nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test can detect damage to the myelin sheath.
An electromyograph (EMG) is a test that may be done to show if there is a lack of nerve signals to the muscles. During an EMG, wires are connected to the skin, and the activity of nerves and muscles is measured. An electrocardiogram, or EKG, may also be ordered.