Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS)

Question 1

What equipment is used for a lumbar puncture ?

Answer 1

• spinal needle with a stylette
• skin prep
• blue drape to cover patient/provide sterile zone
• collection tube
• sterile gloves

Question 2

What are the 2 positions that can be assumed for a lumbar puncture ?

Answer 2

• foetal position laid down
• hunched over, sat up

Question 3

How much CSF is needed for a diagnosis from a lumbar puncture ?

Answer 3

3 - 4 ml

Question 4

What is a common CSF result indicative of Guillain Barre Syndroe (GBS) for lumbar puncture ?

Answer 4

raised protein = cytoalbuminologic dissociation

everything else normal

this pattern can be seen in other conditions too, raised WBCs could suggest malignancy or HIV with similar presentation

Question 5

What is a potential cause of SOB in patients with guillain barre syndrome ?

Answer 5

neuromuscular ventilatory weakness = weak diaphragm

Question 6

What is the medicinal treatment for guillain barre syndrome ?

Answer 6

IV immunoglobulin

Question 7

What type of neuropathy is guillain barre syndrome ?

Answer 7

demyelinating peripheral radiculoneuropathy

Question 8

What is the onset timeframe for guillain barre syndrome ?

Answer 8

onset over hours/days (acute)

Question 9

What are the signs and symptoms of Guillain Barre Sybdrome ?

Answer 9

recent infection (campylobacter)

sock/glove distribution of:
- muscle weakness
- sensory alteration
- parasthesia

LMN signs
- absent/reduced reflexes
- muscle weakness
- hypotonia

Question 10

What tests should be done in a case of guillain barre syndrome ?

Answer 10

• bloods (to check for underlying causes)
• campylobacter serology to look for recent infection associated with GBS
• CSF lumbar puncture (for confirmation and exclusion of other neuropathies)

Question 11

What is a common comorbidity associated with Guillain Barre Sybdrome ?

Answer 11

DVT due to bedbound nature of disease