Abstract
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an acute, autoimmune polyradiculoneuropathy that carries great patient morbidity, and significant mortality, worldwide. The manifestations are highly heterogeneous at the clinical, electrophysiological and biochemical levels, which means that it is better to conceptualise GBS as a spectrum of disorders rather than a singular one. Despite the diverse range of presentations, the management of GBS is relatively stereotyped, albeit guided by the level of clinical severity. Treatment is largely restricted to general supportive measures, Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) and Plasma Exchange (PLEX), with no current role for oral or intravenous corticosteroids in clinical practice. Several validated prognostic-scoring systems, which can predict the probability of long-term residual disability, may assist in targeting intensive therapies to high-risk patient groups. The aim of this article is to provide a practical overview of GBS, with particular emphasis on the clinical presentation, investigation and management of this important spectrum of neurological conditions.
Highlights
Sanad Esmail*Affiliation: Specialist Neurology Registrar at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK *Corresponding author: Sanad Esmail, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK, Tel: 01603
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an acute, monophasic, autoimmune polyradiculoneuropathy, described just over a century ago, and remains an important cause of neuromuscular paralysis worldwide [1,2,3,4]
Treatment is largely restricted to general supportive measures, Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) and Plasma Exchange (PLEX), with no current role for oral or intravenous corticosteroids in clinical practice
Summary
Affiliation: Specialist Neurology Registrar at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK *Corresponding author: Sanad Esmail, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK, Tel: 01603. An Overview of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (2019) Neurophysio and Rehab 1: 42-46
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