Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Question 1

def

Answer 1

acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Question 2

aetiology

Answer 2

inflammatory process by which antibodies (from recent infection) reacts with self-antigen on myelin or neurons causing demyelination

Question 3

epi

Answer 3

affects all ages

Question 4

history

Answer 4

symptom progression of <1month duration:

symmetrical ascending muscle weakness (lower>upper)
ascending paraesthesia

Question 5

what are the causes of GBS

Answer 5

1 idiopathic (most commonly)
2 post infection
-bacterial (campylobacter jejuni)
-viruses (HIV, CMV)
3 post-vaccination

Question 6

what is paraesthesia

Answer 6

tingling or numbness due to peripheral neuron damage

Question 7

how is GBS different to other neuropathies

Answer 7

proximal muscles are more affected (trunk, respiratory, CNs)

Question 8

examination

Answer 8

general motor + sensory examination:

• everything is reduced
• hypotonia, arreflexia, impaired sensation

Question 9

how does guillian barre progress

Answer 9

hypotonia, arreflexia, impaired sensation typically begins in the feet and moves upwards

Question 10

what may be seen on examination of the respiratory system

Answer 10

T2RF

Question 11

investigations

Answer 11

1 nerve conduction studies
-slow
2 CSF
-increased protein
-normal WCC + glucose