Guillian Barre Syndrome

Question 1

What is GBS

Answer 1

Acute demyelinating polyneuropathy
Autoimmune typically triggered by non-self stimulants like infection or vaccination

Question 2

What are gangliosides

Answer 2

Involved in cellular communication especially in the nervous system especially in the Nodes of Ranvier
They are the target in GBS for destruction

Question 3

What are four types of GBS

Answer 3

Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP)
Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN)
Acute motor sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN)
Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS)

Question 4

S/s of GBS

Answer 4

Rapid ascending paralysis over hours to a few days lasting ~4 weeks
Bulbar weakness: Difficulty handling secretions & maintaining airway
Musculoskeletal pain: Neck, shoulder, back, or diffusely over spine
Bladder dysfunction: Occurs in severe cases, usually transient
Autonomic involvement: Wide fluctuations of BP, postural hypotension, cardiac dysrhythmias

Question 5

How to diagnose GBS include CSF findings

Answer 5

Symptomatic diagnosis
Elevated protein w/o pleocytosis

Question 6

Treatment of GBS

Answer 6

Potential vent support
IVIG vs Plasmaphoresis