Guillain-Barre Syndrome (Polyneuritis) Presented by: Gari Dee Glaser

What is GBS? A disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. Think AUTOIMMUNE.

Who can it affect? ANYONE! It is RARE. It can strike at any age and both sexes are equally prone to the disorder. It is RARE. Afflicting about one person in 100,000.

What happens? The body’s immune system starts attacking itself. Immune system starts to destroy the myelin sheath that surrounds the axons of many peripheral nerves, or even the axons themselves. Demyelination.

Myelin Sheath.

Nerve transmission.

What causes GBS? The exact cause is unknown. No one knows for sure why it strikes some people and not others. Usually occurs a few days or a few weeks after a patient has had symptoms of a respiratory or GI viral infection.

Clinical Manifestations. Weakness, usually beginning in the lower extremities. As it progresses it moves upward and can include the thorax, upper extremities and face. Respiratory failure may occur if intercostal muscles become affected. Progression can be over several months.

Clinical Manifestations. Reflexes – such as knee jerks - are LOST.

Diagnostics. CT Scan. Lumbar Puncture. Nerve Conduction Study. Cerebrospinal Fluid. Nerve Conduction Study. Electromyography.

Medical Management. Once GBS is suspected, it’s important patient be hospitalized. Plasmapheresis. Keep patients body functioning during recovery of nervous system.

Medical Management. Adrenocortical Steroids. Used mainly to treat signs and symptoms of GBS. Neurontin. (Anti-epileptic). Helps reduce neuropathic pain. Elavil. (Tricyclic Anti-depressant).

Nursing Interventions. Close monitoring of respiratory function – necessary & important. Nutritional maintenance. Administer meds for neuropathic pain. Prevention of complications. Contractures. Pressure Ulcers. Loss of ROM. Physical Therapy in early diagnosis. Prevents contractures.

Prognosis. 85% of sufferers regain complete function. At one year from start of symptoms, 20% may still have weakness. Only 5% will have permanent disability. Recovery varies from weeks to years. Recovery is in reverse of how paralysis started.