Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) or Lower motor neuron(LMN) palsy is a rare neurological disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks it’s own the peripheral nervous system.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) GB syndrome is an acute, immune-mediated disorder characterized by the rapid onset of muscle weakness and often accompanied by sensory changes. It is typically preceded by an infectious illness and involves the immune system attacking the peripheral nerves, leading to varying degrees of weakness and paralysis. For detailed and specific definitions, it’s best to refer to WHO publications or guidelines directly.
Causes
Infections: Viral and bacterial infections are frequently associated with GBS. Notable examples include:
- Campylobacter jejuni: A common cause of food borne illness.
- Influenza virus: Seasonal flu can sometimes precede GBS.
- Zika virus: Associated with increased GBS cases.
Symptoms
- Weakness starts from legs and may spread to the arms and upper body. It can affect mobility and coordination.
- Patient often experience tingling and numbness sensation in the extremities.
- Some may experience severe pain, often described as aching or cramping.
- Reflexes become diminished or absent particularly in the legs.
- In severe cases respiratory failure can be happen.
Physiotherapy management
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the management and rehabilitation of individuals with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Here are key components of physiotherapy management
- Early Mobilization: Gentle range-of-motion exercises to maintain joint flexibility and prevent contractures, especially in the early stages when the patient may be immobile.
- Strengthening Exercises: As strength improves, gradually introducing resistance exercises to rebuild muscle strength.
- Balance and Coordination Training: Exercises to improve stability and coordination, which may be affected due to muscle weakness.
- Gait Training: Techniques to improve walking ability and assistive device training if necessary.
- Breathing Exercises: If respiratory muscles are affected, specific exercises may help improve lung function.
- Education: Informing patients and caregivers about the condition, recovery process, and home exercise programs to encourage ongoing rehabilitation.
- Pain Management: Techniques such as gentle stretching, modalities (like heat or ice), and positioning strategies to alleviate discomfort.
- Progressive Program: Regularly updating the rehabilitation program based on the patient’s recovery progress and changing needs.
Overall, physiotherapy aims to maximize recovery, improve functional independence, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with GBS.
1.What is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)?
GBS is a rare neurological disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, sensory changes, and in severe cases, paralysis.
2.What are some common causes of Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Common causes include infections such as Campylobacter jejuni, influenza virus, Zika virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and, rarely, certain vaccinations like the flu vaccine.
3.What are the primary symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Symptoms include muscle weakness starting in the legs and spreading upward, tingling or numbness in extremities, severe pain, reduced or absent reflexes, and in severe cases, respiratory failure.
4.How does physiotherapy help in the management of GBS?
Physiotherapy helps by promoting early mobilization, strengthening muscles, improving balance and coordination, assisting with gait, performing breathing exercises, managing pain, and educating patients for recovery.