Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Question 1

What type of disorder is guillain-barré syndrome?

Answer 1

Neuropathy disorder

Question 2

What is the most common initial symptom of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?

Answer 2

Symmetric limb weakness

Question 3

In Guillain-Barré Syndrome, which part of the nervous system is primarily affected?

Answer 3

Myelin on peripheral nerves

Question 4

Which of the following findings is characteristic of GBS on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis?

Answer 4

Elevated protein with normal white blood cell count

Question 5

What is the hallmark electrodiagnostic finding in GBS?

Answer 5

Slow nerve conduction

Question 6

Which cranial nerves are commonly involved in GBS?

Answer 6

Facial nerve (CN VII)

Question 7

Which of the following is NOT a common feature of GBS?
a) Autonomic instability
b) Symmetric muscle weakness
c) Hyperreflexia
d) Pain and paresthesias

Answer 7

c) Hyperreflexia

Question 8

What is the primary mechanism leading to muscle weakness in GBS?

Answer 8

Immune-mediated demyelination of peripheral nerves

Question 9

What are the main treatments for GBS?

Answer 9

1. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
2. Plasma exchange
3. Respiratory and autonomic monitoring

Question 10

What percentage of GBS patients require respiratory support?

Answer 10

20%

Question 11

What is the typical recovery outcome for most GBS patients?

Answer 11

90% recover fully within 1-4 months

Question 12

What is the usual time course of symptom progression in Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Answer 12

Days to 4 weeks

Question 13

Which autonomic dysfunctions can occur in GBS?

Answer 13

*Blood pressure fluctuations
*Arrhythmias
*Urinary retention

Question 14

Which infection has been strongly associated with triggering GBS?

Answer 14

Campylobacter jejuni

Question 15

What is the term for the increased CSF protein without significant pleocytosis in GBS?

Answer 15

Albuminocytologic dissociation

Question 16

Which type of GBS variant primarily affects motor neurons and is more common in Asia?

Answer 16

Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy (AMAN)

Question 17

Miller Fisher Syndrome, a variant of GBS, is characterized by which classic triad of symptoms?

Answer 17

Ataxia, areflexia, ophthalmoplegia

Question 18

Why is early intubation sometimes necessary in GBS patients?

Answer 18

Respiratory muscle weakness leading to respiratory failure

Question 19

What is the most significant risk factor for poor prognosis in GBS?

Answer 19

*Older age
*Rapid progression to quadriplegia
*Need for mechanical ventilation

Question 20

Why are corticosteroids generally not recommended for the treatment of GBS?

Answer 20

They are ineffective in altering disease progression

Question 21

Which test is most useful for confirming the diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Answer 21

*Elevated CSF protein
*Electrodiagnostic studies: slow nerve conduction

Question 22

Which of the following is NOT a typical symptom of GBS?
a) Progressive muscle weakness
b) Increased deep tendon reflexes
c) Paresthesias
d) Cranial nerve involvement

Answer 22

b) Increased deep tendon reflexes

Question 23

What is the major long-term concern for patients recovering from GBS?

Answer 23

Chronic pain and fatigue

Question 24

Which of the following is true regarding prognosis in GBS?
a) Most patients recover completely within 1-4 months
b) All patients require long-term ventilation
c) Recovery is impossible in severe cases
d) GBS is always fatal

Answer 24

a) Most patients recover completely within 1-4 months

Question 25

How does plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) help in GBS treatment?

Answer 25

It removes autoantibodies attacking the nervous system

Question 26

Which of the following factors is commonly associated with an increased risk of developing GBS? a) Recent viral or bacterial infection b) Autoimmune disorders c) Recent vaccination d) All of the above

Answer 26

d) All of the above

Question 27

Features of GBS: S.C.A.R.P.D

Answer 27

*Symmetric limb weakness (legs > arms) *Cranial nerve involvement *Autonomic instability *Respiratory involvement *Pain and paresthesias *Depressed reflexes

Question 28

How does GBS typically progress

Answer 28

*Acute onset: walking difficulties. *Progresses to paralysis, respiratory muscle weakness, cranial nerve involvement and autonomic dysfunction. *Symptoms plateau then improve

Question 29

Pathophysiology of GBS:

Answer 29

*Immune system starts to attack myelin on nerves *Surface antigen strips myelin off nerves which inhibits conduction, leading to muscle weakness.

Question 30

Prognosis of GBS:

Answer 30

*60% non-ambulant *20% require respiratory support *90% make full recovery in 1-4 months