OPTA 222 (GBS)
GBS Patho and Diagnosis
- Only affects peripheral nervous system
- Myelin sheath around axons gets destroyed
- Spinal tap confirms GBS if increased protein in the cerebrospinal fluid
Cause of GBS
- unknown
- Half of cases occur shortly after some type of infection so it is hypothesized to be an autoimmune reaction
Ie. maybe the infecting agent “looks like” nerve cells so the body ends up attacking itself when trying to defend against another illness (often respiratory or GI illness)
GBS Signs and Symtoms
- An infection of some sort often precipitates GBS
- Characterized by rapidly evolving relatively symmetrical ascending weakness or flaccid paralysis
- Tingling sensations in legs: Varying degrees
- Ataxia
- Difficulty with speaking
- Problems Chewing or swallowing
- Eye Mucle or vision problems
GBS Clinical Presentation
- 20-30% of patients may require assisted ventilation
- Secondary complications lead to death in 5% of patients
- 50% of patients develop cranial nerve involvement
- Autonomic nervous system in 50% of patients
- Pain
- Sensory disturbances
Prognosis
- 50% of patients reach maximal point of paralysis in 1 week; 80% by 3 weeks
- 80% become ambulatory within 6 months of symptom onset
- *15% show persistent residual deficits
- Medical intervention depends on severity
- OVERALL: 70% reach full recovery
Treatment Medical
- IVIG (Intanvenous immunglobulin)
- ICU respiratory issues
- Facilitate resolution in respiratory and dysphagia problems
- minmize pain