GBS

Question 1

What are common symptoms of GBS?

Answer 1

Motor weakness, lack of reflexes and elevation of protein levels in the cerebrospinal spinal fluid

Question 2

Can you recover from GBS?

Answer 2

Yes, about 85% of people make a full recovery

Question 3

Is GBS an upper or lower motor neurone syndrome?

Answer 3

Lower as the efferent neutrons in the PNS are affected

Question 4

How do you get GBS?

Answer 4

A bacterial and viral infection, becomes present 2-4 weeks after

Question 5

What is the first feeling of GBS?

Answer 5

Dysesthesias (abnormal feeling) of hands and feet

Question 6

How is it diagnosed?

Answer 6

Lumbar puncture, liver test, blood test

Question 7

Where does the muscle weakness begin?

Answer 7

Usually in the proximal lower extremities

Question 8

Is GBS associated with Low or high tone?

Answer 8

Low tone

Question 9

GBS is.. Bi/ uni- lateral and symmetrical/ asymmetrical

Answer 9

Bilateral and symmetrical

Question 10

How do you medically manage GBS?

Answer 10

Plasma exchange (plasma is removed and substituted to remove cytotoxic serum over 2 weeks

IV immune serum globulin over a 5 day period

Question 11

Describe the progression of GBS

Answer 11

Progression over 12 days - plateau happens then gradually improves over 4-6 months. Usually recovered 6-12 months after

Question 12

Describe the pathology of GBS

Answer 12

Inflammation and demyelination of the PNS affecting afferent and efferent nerves.

Bodies immune system generates antibodies which attack Schwann cells