Guillain Barre Flashcards
1
Q
Guillain-Barre Syndrome AKA
A
Acute ascending polyneuritis
2
Q
What is GBS?
A
Autoimmune Disorder
Myelin sheath is damaged by autoantibodies
Myelin sheath insulates neurons (Inc conduction speed)
Onset: days to weeks following VIRAL infection
3
Q
Possible Etiologies
A
Viral Infection
Bacterial Infection
-Campylobacter jejuni
Post surgery (5-10%)
4
Q
GBS: Manifestations
A
Initially
-Weakness/tingling in lower extremities
Starts in lower extremities and ASCENDS up the body, recovery is the opposite (Descends)
Severity of symptoms increases over hours to weeks
Potentially life-threatening if respiratory muscles are involved
5
Q
GBS: Symptoms
A
- Uncoordinated movements
- Numbness and decreased sensation
- Loss of bowel/bladder control
- Blurred vision (doesn’t fit with ascend/descending pattern)
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing, chewing
6
Q
Pharm
A
No Known Cure
Goal of RX:
-Reduce severity and accelerate recovery
Steroid therapy
High-dose immunoglobulin therapy (IV
- Shortens severity and duration
- Shortens length of hospital stay
7
Q
GBS: Prognosis
A
- 95% survive
- 75% completely recover
- 20-30% have residual weakness after 3 years
- 3% may suffer relapse of muscle weakness + tingling many years post initial attack
