Guillan-Barre

Question 1

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Answer 1

An acute, usually rapidly progressive form of inflammatory poly neuropathy characterized by de myelination of peripheral nerves resulting in ***progressive symmetrical ascending paralysis

Question 2

GBS Causes/General Concepts

Answer 2

Unknown
This syndrome is usually preceded by a suspected viral infection accompanied by fever one to three weeks before onset of acute bilateral muscle weakness in lower extremities
Flaccid paralysis can result within 48 to 72 hours

Question 3

GBS incident/prevalence

Answer 3

Affects up to 1.9 individuals per 100,000 annually

Equally affects males and females of all ages

Question 4

GBS Signs/Symptoms

Answer 4

Presentation: typically, a rapidly progressive ascending paralysis
Cranial nerve impairment, as evidenced by difficulties in speech, swallowing and mastication can occur
Reflexes are usually hypo active or absent
Impairment of the muscles of respiratory occur as the paralysis ascends

Question 5

GBS Lab/Diagnostics

Answer 5

CSF protein is usually elevated
CBC: C early leukocytosis with a left shift
LP, MRI and CT or sometimes used in aiding diagnosis

Question 6

GBS Management

Answer 6

Treatment is supportive while Milan is regenerated
Symptoms begin to recede within two weeks with recovery and two years
Neurologist consult: no specific protocol