Acute autoimmune disorder attacking peripheral nerve myelin sheaths (demyelinating polyneuropathy). Often post-infection.

Most commonly preceded by bacterial (Campylobacter jejuni) or viral (H. influenzae, CMV) infection 1-4 weeks prior.

Ascending, symmetric paralysis or weakness. Starts in lower extremities, progresses upward to trunk, arms, cranial nerves.

Paralysis can ascend to diaphragm. Monitor for respiratory failure. Priority sign: Drooling (cannot swallow secretions).

Autonomic Involvement

Can cause instability: tachycardia/bradycardia, hypertension/hypotension, diaphoresis.

Most patients experience significant recovery over months to years with rehabilitation (PT/OT). High mortality if respiratory failure occurs.

Labile BP & HR, cardiac arrhythmias, paralytic ileus, urinary retention, diaphoresis. Requires cardiac monitoring.

Albuminocytologic dissociation: Elevated CSF protein with normal cell count. May be normal in first week.

Weakness typically progresses for up to 4 weeks, then plateaus (plateau phase) before recovery begins.

Removes circulating antibodies. Most effective if started within 2 weeks of symptom onset. 5 exchanges over 8-10 days.

IV Immunoglobulin (IVIG)

Equal efficacy to plasmapheresis. 2 g/kg over 2-5 days. Can cause aseptic meningitis, flu-like symptoms.

Neuropathic pain is common. Use gabapentin, pregabalin, or tricyclic antidepressants. Opioids often less effective.

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Guillain Barre Synd

Question	Answer
Patho	Acute autoimmune disorder attacking peripheral nerve myelin sheaths (demyelinating polyneuropathy). Often post-infection.
GBS Trigger	Most commonly preceded by bacterial (Campylobacter jejuni) or viral (H. influenzae, CMV) infection 1-4 weeks prior.
Key Symptoms	Ascending, symmetric paralysis or weakness. Starts in lower extremities, progresses upward to trunk, arms, cranial nerves.
Respiratory	Paralysis can ascend to diaphragm. Monitor for respiratory failure. Priority sign: Drooling (cannot swallow secretions).
Autonomic Involvement	Can cause instability: tachycardia/bradycardia, hypertension/hypotension, diaphoresis.
Prognosis	Most patients experience significant recovery over months to years with rehabilitation (PT/OT). High mortality if respiratory failure occurs.
ANS Signs	Labile BP & HR, cardiac arrhythmias, paralytic ileus, urinary retention, diaphoresis. Requires cardiac monitoring.
Lumbar Puncture	Albuminocytologic dissociation: Elevated CSF protein with normal cell count. May be normal in first week.
Peak Illness	Weakness typically progresses for up to 4 weeks, then plateaus (plateau phase) before recovery begins.
Plasmapheresis	Removes circulating antibodies. Most effective if started within 2 weeks of symptom onset. 5 exchanges over 8-10 days.
IV Immunoglobulin (IVIG)	Equal efficacy to plasmapheresis. 2 g/kg over 2-5 days. Can cause aseptic meningitis, flu-like symptoms.
Pain Management	Neuropathic pain is common. Use gabapentin, pregabalin, or tricyclic antidepressants. Opioids often less effective.

Created by: Wasurenboh

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