About Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Guillain-Barre syndrome is the commonly used term for acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. This debilitating, sometimes disabling disorder causes the immune system to attack the nervous system. Most of the time, it begins following an immunization, a virus such as cold or flu, or a sore throat. It can be a short term affect, or it can become a chronic condition.

Symptoms

Individuals with Guillain-Barre syndrome can experience an over-all muscle weakness, tingling, and sometimes near paralysis. This weakness can strike muscles that help in breathing, thus the disease can threaten the patient's life.

Diagnosis

Besides receiving accurate medical history and reporting of symptoms, medical tests will be done to determine whether a person has Guillain-Barre syndrome. A test should be done to test nerve responses. This test is called a nerve conduction study, which is performed by placing electrodes on the skin and sending small shocks through the muscles and nerves. The nerve and muscle function is then carefully measured.

An electromyogram or EMG will be done to test electrical signals in muscles. A tiny electrode is placed in the muscle and an instrument records the signals as the muscle contracts and when it is at rest. The recording will show whether the muscle is properly stimulated by the nerve signals.

A lumbar spinal tap must also be done to measure how much protein is in the spinal fluid. The protein level is usually elevated in persons with Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Treatment

It is important to begin treatment immediately once Guillain-Barre syndrome has been diagnosed. Treatment often begins in an intensive care unit at the hospital so the patient's breathing and other vital functions can be closely monitored.

Initial treatment usually requires the delivery of immune globulin by iv. This immunoglobulin carries healthy antibodies collected from blood donations and block the bad antibodies in the patient's blood that are contributing to the Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Plasmapharesis is another common procedure performed for the Guillain-Barre patient in the intensive care unit. This procedure removes the liquid plasma from the blood and returns the healthy red blood cells. The body eventually manufactures the plasma and replaces it.

If the patient's breathing is impaired, they may also be placed on a ventilating machine until normal breathing is restored.

Although most patients recover completely from Guillain-Barre syndrome, some individuals may suffer ongoing complications. At the very least, most people require physical rehab after recovery to fully regain muscle function. Braces, canes, walkers or other equipment may be needed until strength is regained or if the condition has become chronic.

In some cases, Guillain-Barre patient may suffer a chronic condition called CIDP in which nerves continue to become inflamed periodically. In these patients, symptoms are treated for each individual when they arise, and often require a combination of physical therapy, assistive devices, occupational therapy and medications.

It is important to seek medical attention if you experience any symptoms that can be associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome. If treated correctly, this condition is very rarely fatal.

Sources:

Signet/Mosby Medical Encyclopedia

National Institute of Health

Mayo Clinic