Guillain Barre

Question 1

What is guillain barre?

Answer 1

An autoimmune acute ascending polyneuritis characterized by the myelin sheath being damaged by autoantibodies

Question 2

What is the onset of Guillain barre?

Answer 2

Days to weeks following a viral infection

Question 3

What are the possible etiologies of Guillain barre?

Answer 3

Viral infection = most common
Bacterial infection (foodborne illness)
Post surgery

Question 4

What are the clinical manifestations of Guillain barre?

Answer 4

Initial = weakness / tingling in lower extremities
Weakness ascends then descends
Uncoordinated movements
Numbness and decreased sensation
Loss or bowel / bladder control
Blurred vision (often presents early but doesn’t follow ascending pattern)
Difficulty breathing, swallowing, chewing

Question 5

What % of people have a relapse of muscle weakness and tingling post the initial attack with Guillain barre?

Answer 5

3%

Question 6

What % of people have residual weakness after 3 years of Guillain barre?

Answer 6

25-30%

Question 7

What % of people completely recover from Guillain barre?

Answer 7

75%