Guillain-Barré Syndrome

• Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute, inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy with ascending muscle weakness that is autoimmune in nature

• Clinical and epidemiological evidence seems to indicate that most cases are preceded by an infection such as Campylobacter jejuni enteritis, but in many cases no cause is indentified

• GBS is characterized by symmetrical muscle weakness that begins in the legs and ascends

• The degree of muscle weakness can vary from mild difficulty with ambulation to complete paralysis

• Deep tendon reflexes (DTR) may be depressed or absent

• Sensory abnormalities may be present, such˙ as paresthesias in the hands and feet

• GBS can be life threatening; severe respiratory muscle weakness necessitating ventilatory support may develop

• The main modalities of disease modifying therapy for GBS are plasmapheresis and intravenous immune globulin (IVIG)

Music arranged and performed by Neil Bobenhouse, Student Doctor at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

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Art and Animation by Jorge Muniz, PA-C (Medcomic)