Guillain Barre Syndrome (Ascending Muscle Weakness)
Description
An acute inflammatory condition of the nervous system that damages the myelin sheath of the nerves. The nerves of the body are essential and help control muscle contraction. In this disorder the nerves no longer transmit the impulses from the brain to the muscles causing weakness and paralysis of the muscles. Patients experience muscle weakness that begins in the legs and moves upward. The paralysis can prevent breathing and result in death. The exact cause of this disorder is not known but it is frequently associated with a viral infection like a cold or the flu.
Symptoms
Weakness that begins in lower extremities and moves upward with time, shortness of breath, paralysis, respiratory failure, death.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests include: a spinal tap, and respiratory testing.
- CBC
- Chem 12
- Lipase
- UA
- Ultrasound
Treatment
There is no cure for this disease. Therapy depends on the severity of the symptoms. Treatment includes: supportive care including mechanical ventilation, ICU admission, intravenous immunoglobulin, and/or plasmapheresis.
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