Gullian-Barre Syndrome

Guillian-Barre Syndrome

Viktoria Haynes P.8

Treatments

Probable Prognosis

• Patients usually reach greatest point of weakness/paralysis days-weeks after initial symptoms
• Symptoms then stabilize for days-months
• Recovery lasts from a few weeks-a few years
• 30% of patients have residual weakness after 3 years

There is no known cure for Guillian-Barre syndrome. Therapies are used to lessen severity and treat complications.

• Plasmapheresis- (plasma exchange) Whole blood removed from body and processed to remove white and red blood cells from plasma cells which are removed. Other cells are returned to body which then makes more plasma. This removes antibodies and immune-cell derived factors that cause nerve damage.
• HIgh dose immunoglobin therapy- Injections of proteins that attcj invading organisms to lessen the immune systems attack on nerves.
• Physical Therapy- Keeps muscles flexible and strong. Prevents venous sludging in limbs that could cause deep vein thrombosis

Etiology

Diagnostic Testing

Guillian-Barre syndrome has no known cause other than that it may be triggered by a viral or bacterial infection of the lungs or stomach/intestines. It is also said that GBS is associated with vaccines since they have an effect on the immune system. Guillian-Barre is a syndrome rather than a disease because there is no known disease-causing agent.

• Differential diagnosis- By GP to rule out other disorders with similar signs and symptoms
• Spinal Tap- Small amount of cerebrospinal fluid removed from spinal cord with a needle in lower back to check protein levels (more protein in those with Guillian-Barre syndrome)
• Nerve conduction studies- Test that measures how well individual nerves can send electrical signals from spinal cord to muscles through electrodes.

Definition

Bibliography

Guillian-Barre syndrome is a post infectious autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks and begins to destroy the myelin sheath surrounding axons or the axons themselves. Muscles begin to lose the ability to respond to the brain's commands, eventually causing full paralysis of the body.

• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/guillain-barre-syndrome/basics/definition/con-20025832
• http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/gbs/detail_gbs.htm
• http://www.webmd.com/brain/tc/guillain-barre-syndrome-topic-overview
• http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/315632-treatment
• http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/guillain-barre-syndrome/overview.html

Symptoms

• weakness, numbness, and tingling sensations in hands, feet, mouth, arms, and legs
• back pain
• loss of bladder control

Healthcare

Professionals

Prevention

• Psychologist
• Neurologist
• Physical Therapist
• Speech Therapist
• General Practitioner

Since there is no known cause of this syndrome it is difficult to know how to prevent it. Scientists are currently researching the cause of Guillian-Barre syndrome and hopefully there will be a cure soon.

Signs

Dysphagia

• loss of reflexes
• dysphagia
• trouble talking
• inability to move eyes
• abnormal heart rate
• hypotension
• myospasm
• ataxia
• paralysis

Ataxia