Guillain Barre Syndrome

Question 1

What is Guillain Barre syndrome?

Answer 1

AI response causing demyelination

Question 2

Aetiology of Guillain Barre syndrome?

Answer 2

Usually follows a respiratory or GI infection; associated with infections, malignancies, drugs, pregnancy, vaccinations.

Question 3

Symptoms of Guillain Barre syndrome?

Answer 3

Progressive ascending weakness, sensory loss, parasthesia, pain, dysphasia, dysarthria

Question 4

Signs of Guillain Barre syndrome?

Answer 4

Dysreflexia, hypotonia, papilloedema, bulbar palsy, labile vital signs due to autonomic involvement.
Cranial nerves involved in 45-70%

Question 5

What Ix in Guillain Barre syndrome?

Answer 5

Pregnancy test, LFT (increased), LP (increased CSF protein; normal cell counts), nerve conduction studies, AB screen, ECG, MRI, spirometry.

Question 6

Rx Guillain Barre syndrome?

Answer 6

IV Ig, plasmapharesis; close monitoring for cardiac arrhythmias and respiratory failure.

Question 7

Complications of Guillain Barre syndrome?

Answer 7

Mortality 5-10%; autonomic lability, pneumonia, respiratory failure, cardiac arrhythmias, neurological sequelae.