Guillain-Barre Syndrome CAT

Question 1

What Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS)?

Answer 1

• Acute polyneuropathy
• Temporary inflammation and demyelination of the peripheral nerves’ myelin sheaths

Question 2

What results from GBS?

Answer 2

• Axonal degeneration
• Motor weakness (distal to proximal progression)
• Sensory impairment
• Possible respiratory paralysis

Question 3

Demographics for GBS

Answer 3

• Peak incidence in young adult population and again b/t 5th and 8th decade
• Males > females
• Caucasians > African Americans

Question 4

Clinical presentation for GBS

Answer 4

• distal symmetrical motor weakness
• Mild distal sensory impairments
• Transient paresthesias
• Muscle and respiratory analysis, absent DTR, dysarthria and dysphagia

Question 5

Progression of GBS

Answer 5

• Disease moves towards UE and head
• Disability peaks 2-4 weeks after onset
• 2-4 week static period
• Gradual recovery that can take months to years

Question 6

Lab/imaging for GBS

Answer 6

• CSF sample that contains high protein levels, little to no lymphocytes
• EMG will be abnormal and slow nerve conduction

Question 7

How long can recovery from GBS take?

Answer 7

Recovery is slow and can last up to 2 years