OverviewWhat is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disorder. Normally, your immune system only fights foreign invaders such as viruses or bacteria. The word “auto” means “self,” so autoimmune refers to a disorder in which your immune system attacks your own body. Show
In GBS, the immune system specifically attacks the nerves. You can think of a nerve as being similar to a wire that allows you to control your muscles and also feel what is happening in your environment. When this wire is damaged (as it is in GBS), your body loses the ability to control the muscles and sense the environment, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness and numbness or tingling. Who gets Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?While anyone can potentially get GBS, the syndrome is more commonly found in older people. Is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) common?GBS is a rare condition. In the United States, about 3,000 to 6,000 people develop the disease every year. Symptoms and CausesWhat causes Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?GBS is usually triggered by a viral or bacterial infection. Rarely, viral or bacterial components (proteins) can appear to look similar to your body’s proteins. When this happens, your immune system becomes confused and starts to attack your body. When the nerves are attacked by your immune system, this can result in GBS. Is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) contagious or passed down through families?GBS isn't contagious and it's not passed down through families (it isn't an inherited disease). What are the symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?Symptoms of GBS may include the following:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) diagnosed?Like many diseases, the diagnosis of GBS is largely based on a patient’s symptoms as well as their neurologic examination. A healthcare provider may also need to order tests to rule out other diseases that may present with similar symptoms as GBS. What are some tests that your provider may order to help diagnose Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?
Management and TreatmentHow is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) treated?The symptoms of GBS often progress quickly and thus require hospitalization for urgent treatment. There are two treatments that may help speed up recovery from GBS:
PreventionCan I prevent Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?There is no known way to prevent GBS. Outlook / PrognosisHow long will I have Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?The symptoms of GBS may vary considerably from person to person and could last anywhere from weeks to years. Most patients do very well and recover over the course of several months. Are there any long-term effects from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) ?While most people fully recover after GBS, some people continue to have symptoms such as muscle weakness, difficulty walking or numbness and tingling. A small percentage of people may need a walker or wheelchair. Living WithHow do I cope with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?Severe cases of GBS may cause ongoing challenges. You may need help from other people to do normal daily activities such as bathing, eating, or dressing. Doctors may recommend physical therapy to help with recovery of strength. Some people may also benefit from counseling to help cope with the new emotional stresses of living with symptoms after GBS. A note from Cleveland Clinic If you have pain, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, please see a healthcare provider right away. Guillain-Barre syndrome can sometimes lead to severe symptoms (such as paralysis), difficulty breathing, and changes in your blood pressure and heart rate which if not treated can lead to death. Fortunately, with treatment most people with GBS recover quite well from GBS. Which assessment finding is typical for a patient with GuillainMost patients with typical GBS present with rapidly progressive bilateral leg weakness with hypo/areflexia in the affected limbs. In rare cases, patients can present with facial, oculomotor, bulbar (i.e. difficulty with swallowing and speaking) weakness, or primary sensory symptoms.
Which is a characteristic of GuillainMuscle weakness or paralysis are the characteristic features of Guillain-Barré syndrome. The weakness often begins in the legs and spreads to the arms, torso, and face and is commonly accompanied by numbness, tingling, or pain.
What is the typical presentation of symptoms in a person with GuillainEarly symptoms of GBS include weakness and tingling. People with GBS usually first feel these symptoms in both legs. Some people then have weakness and tingling in their arms and upper body. The weakness can increase until people cannot use some muscles.
What signs symptoms would the nurse expect to assess in a client diagnosed with GuillainIn Guillain-Barré syndrome, the immune system attacks the body's nerves. Symptoms include muscle weakness, pain, tingling and loss of reflexes. Many people need a hospital stay to watch for breathing problems, heart issues, choking and other complications.
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