Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
GBS is characterized by rapidly evolving symmetrical limb weakness that accompanies tingling dysesthesias in the extremities. The weakness is more prominent in proximal muscles, with the lower limbs being more affected than the upper limbs. The paresthesias spread proximally, but rarely pass the wrists and ankles. The patient's eye movements, swallowing movements, facial muscles, and airway maintenance may be disrupted if his or her cranial nerve is affected. The symptoms of the syndrome can be divided into three phases:
About half of patients with GBS complain of severe pain that is experienced with the slightest of movements. The most common sites of pain are the shoulder, girdle, back, and posterior thighs. The pain can be neuropathic as well as nociceptive in origin.
Symptoms
GBS is characterized by rapidly evolving symmetrical limb weakness that accompanies tingling dysesthesias in the extremities. The weakness is more prominent in proximal muscles, with the lower limbs being more affected than the upper limbs. The paresthesias spread proximally, but rarely pass the wrists and ankles. The patient's eye movements, swallowing movements, facial muscles, and airway maintenance may be disrupted if his or her cranial nerve is affected. The symptoms of the syndrome can be divided into three phases:
The progressive phase, which lasts a few days to 4 weeks
The plateau phase, which consists of persistent symptoms and lasts for a few days or weeks
The improvement phase, when recovery takes place.
About half of patients with GBS complain of severe pain that is experienced with the slightest of movements. The most common sites of pain are the shoulder, girdle, back, and posterior thighs. The pain can be neuropathic as well as nociceptive in origin.
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