Guillaine+Barre+Syndrome

·Disorder of Neuromuscular Function. It is an acute immune-mediated polyneuropathy. It is characterized by rapidly progressive limb weakness and loss of tendon reflexes. It has been described as the most common cause of acute, flaccid paralysis in developed countries, now that poliomyelitis has been eliminated. As a syndrome, there are several subtypes of the disorder, including pure motor axonal degeneration, axonal degeneration of both motor and sensory nerves, and a variant characterized by ophthalmmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia. · Cause: probably an immune component. Been linked to infection: Campylobacter jejuni or cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr Virus, and Mycoplasma pneumonia. Two thirds of patients have had an acute, influenza like illness before the onset of symptoms. One third have antibodies against nerve gangliosides. · Characterizations of GB: progressively ascending muscle weakness of the limbs, producing a symmetric flaccid paralysis. Symptoms of parasthenia and numbness often accompany the loss of motor function. Rate of disease varies, and may be disproportionate involvement between the upper and lower extremities. Paralysis may affect respiratory muscles and 30% of patients may need ventilator assistance. ANS involvement causes postural hypostension, cardiac arrythmias, facial flushing, abnormalities of sweating, and urinary retention is common. Pain is also very common in the shoulder girdle, back, posterior thighs, and occurs with even the slightest movement. · GB is usually a medical emergency. There may be a rapid development of ventilator failure and autonomic disturbances that threaten circulatory function. · Treatment: includes support of vital functions and prevention of complications such as skin breakdown and thrombophlebitis.Plasmapheresis can decrease morbidity and shortens the course of the disease. Treatment is most effective in the beginning of the disease. High dose immunoglobulin therapy as lhs proven effective. · 80-90% of people achieve a full and spontaneous recovery within 6 – 12 months
 * __ Guillaine Barre Syndrome __**