guillain-barre syndrome.docVIP

Guillain-Barre Syndrome Rehabilitation Samantha Madsen, SPTA Introduction Guillain – Barre′ syndrome (GBS) is a demyelinating, inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy that affects motor, sensory and autonomic nerves (3). GBS has a currently unknown etiology although many studies have been done that show high degrees of stress or disease can trigger the autoimmune system response. The incidence of GBS is 1-2 per 100,000 with increases in incidence with advancing age. Males are affected more than females at a 2:1 ratio (2, 1). Overall mortality rate is low, 25% of patients may require artificial ventilation and 10-20% may have residual permanent and sever disability (1). The progressive stage of the disease usually lasts 2-4 weeks (2). Pts who are ambulatory within 6 months have a higher recovery rate (1). GBS is typically treated with Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy. The purpose of this case study is to follow and discuss the rehabilitation of a person with GBS as well as the use of aquatic therapy for treating a person with GBS. Case Description Patient The patient is a 67 y.o. Caucasian male, retired, previously living independently at home with his wife. Pt reported that on the date of incident (09/04/12) he was sitting on his couch after a long day of yard work, the pt had a hard time rising from the couch due to weakness in both lower extremities. The following day the patient fell down his stairs due to general total body weakness. The patient was admitted to the E.R. and within a day and a half he was completely paralyzed. This patient had no involvement with his lungs and did not need to be on a ventilator. As is typical with persons with Guillain Barre Syndrome the patient recovered feeling in his upper extremities and then the lower extremities however, this patient also experienced an asymmetrical recovery pattern in regards to left and right side of the body. The left arm recovered sensation first, in a smooth slow fashion all