GBS

Question 1

What is associated with GBS?

Answer 1

About 75% of patients have a history of preceding infection, usually of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract. A large number of infections have been linked, including Campylobacter jejuni, Epstein Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, mycoplasma and human immunodeficiency virus

Question 2

What symptoms are there?

Answer 2

weakness- normally symmetrical and ascending
dysphasia and facial weakness may develop
need to be careful of resp failure
may be pain and sensory loss

Question 3

What signs are there?

Answer 3

weakness
reflexes may be absent
may be paraesthesia or sensory loss
may be low tone
may be fasiculations

Question 4

What are the differentials?

Answer 4

stroke, cord compression, vasculitis, MG

Question 5

What investigations can you do?

Answer 5

diagnosis usually done on clinical grounds
check LP (raised CSf protein), antibodies, spirometry, nerve conduction study

Question 6

What is the management for GBS?

Answer 6

plasma exchange
IV immunoglobulins
DVT prophylaxis
NOT STEROIDS

Question 7

What is recovery like for GBS?

Answer 7

It takes a month to recover and is quite painful- neuropathic pain –give demoxetine, gabapentin, pregabalin or amitryptilline