Gullian Barre

• Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an autoimmune disorder that causes sudden numbness & muscle weakness affecting most of the body, typically following a viral or bacterial infection of the GI (diarrhea) or respiratory tract
• Demyelination in GBS destroys the protective covering of nerves, preventing the nerves/impulses from transmitting signals to the brain; this process is reversible
• In GBS, the immune system attacks myelin sheaths, hitting its peak in two weeks; signs and symptoms include ascending symmetrical muscle weakness, lower extremity weakness, absent deep-tendon reflexes, pain, paresthesia, numbness, tingling, hypertonia, areflexia, facial weakness, dysphagia, facial flushing, diaphoresis, and fatigue
• Early signs of respiratory failure in GBS include inability to cough, inability to lift head or eyebrows, shallow respirations, dyspnea, and hypoxia
• Diagnosis of GBS involves lumbar puncture; cerebrospinal fluid test showing elevated protein without elevated white blood cells; electromyography & nerve conduction study
• Treatment for GBS includes IV immunoglobulin (more effective if given within the first two weeks of symptoms) and plasmapheresis
• Nursing care for GBS patients includes having intubation setup at bedside, preparing a mechanical ventilator, frequent assessment of respiratory status, and reporting changes in motor function (ascending paralysis), reflexes, cranial nerve function, gag reflex, level of consciousness, EKG, and blood pressure
• What is the diet for Guillian-Barre Syndrome?


  High-calorie, high-protein diet.
• when do people reach the most severe in Guillian-barre syndrome?


  two weeks
• What causes Guillain Barre Syndrome?

  INFECTION
• What can cause/trigger Guillain barre syndrome?

  LIVE VACCINES (mmri & varicella), Diarrhea (bacteria campylobacterjejuni), Viral infections (flu)
• What do we assess in Guillain Barre Syndrome?

  Deep tendon reflexes & muscle weakness
• What is the treatment of Guillain barre syndrome?

  Plasmapheresis: machine that separates the plasma from your blood, treats it, then returns the plasma and blood to the body.
• How to prevent Guillain Barre Syndrome?

  Prevent sickness/infection
• What is Acute phases in Guillain Barre Syndrome?

  begins with sudden onset of symptoms. Weakness, tingling & sensations. Last for a few days to a few weeks (worst phase)
• What is plateau phase in Guillain Barre syndrome?

  Symptoms are STABILE.
• What is Recovery phase of Guillain Barre Syndrome?

  Rehabilitation, gradual improvements in symptoms.
• Lumbar puncture for guillain barre syndrome will show what?

  Elevated protein levels in cerebrospinal fluid