Guillain-Barré Syndrome Flashcards
What type of disorder is guillain-barré syndrome?
Neuropathy disorder
What is the most common initial symptom of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?
Symmetric limb weakness
In Guillain-Barré Syndrome, which part of the nervous system is primarily affected?
Myelin on peripheral nerves
Which of the following findings is characteristic of GBS on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis?
Elevated protein with normal white blood cell count
What is the hallmark electrodiagnostic finding in GBS?
Slow nerve conduction
Which cranial nerves are commonly involved in GBS?
Facial nerve (CN VII)
Which of the following is NOT a common feature of GBS?
a) Autonomic instability
b) Symmetric muscle weakness
c) Hyperreflexia
d) Pain and paresthesias
c) Hyperreflexia
What is the primary mechanism leading to muscle weakness in GBS?
Immune-mediated demyelination of peripheral nerves
What are the main treatments for GBS?
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
- Plasma exchange
- Respiratory and autonomic monitoring
What percentage of GBS patients require respiratory support?
20%
What is the typical recovery outcome for most GBS patients?
90% recover fully within 1-4 months
What is the usual time course of symptom progression in Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
Days to 4 weeks
Which autonomic dysfunctions can occur in GBS?
*Blood pressure fluctuations
*Arrhythmias
*Urinary retention
Which infection has been strongly associated with triggering GBS?
Campylobacter jejuni
What is the term for the increased CSF protein without significant pleocytosis in GBS?
Albuminocytologic dissociation
Which type of GBS variant primarily affects motor neurons and is more common in Asia?
Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy (AMAN)
Miller Fisher Syndrome, a variant of GBS, is characterized by which classic triad of symptoms?
Ataxia, areflexia, ophthalmoplegia
Why is early intubation sometimes necessary in GBS patients?
Respiratory muscle weakness leading to respiratory failure
What is the most significant risk factor for poor prognosis in GBS?
*Older age
*Rapid progression to quadriplegia
*Need for mechanical ventilation
Why are corticosteroids generally not recommended for the treatment of GBS?
They are ineffective in altering disease progression
Which test is most useful for confirming the diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
*Elevated CSF protein
*Electrodiagnostic studies: slow nerve conduction
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
b) Increased deep tendon reflexes
What is the major long-term concern for patients recovering from GBS?
Chronic pain and fatigue
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
a) Most patients recover completely within 1-4 months
How does plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) help in GBS treatment?
It removes autoantibodies attacking the nervous system
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
d) All of the above
Features of GBS: S.C.A.R.P.D
*Symmetric limb weakness (legs > arms)
*Cranial nerve involvement
*Autonomic instability
*Respiratory involvement
*Pain and paresthesias
*Depressed reflexes
How does GBS typically progress
*Acute onset: walking difficulties.
*Progresses to paralysis, respiratory muscle weakness, cranial nerve involvement and autonomic dysfunction.
*Symptoms plateau then improve
Pathophysiology of GBS:
*Immune system starts to attack myelin on nerves
*Surface antigen strips myelin off nerves which inhibits conduction, leading to muscle weakness.
Prognosis of GBS:
*60% non-ambulant
*20% require respiratory support
*90% make full recovery in 1-4 months
