Guillain-Barré syndrome physical examination: Difference between revisions
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'''Guillain-Barré syndrome''' ('''GBS''') is an acute, autoimmune, [[neuropathy|polyradiculoneuropathy]] affecting the [[peripheral nervous system]], usually triggered by an acute infectious process. It is included in the wider group of [[peripheral neuropathy|peripheral neuropathies]]. There are several types of GBS, but unless otherwise stated, GBS refers to the most common form, acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP). It is frequently severe and usually exhibits as an ascending paralysis noted by weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper limbs and the face along with complete loss of deep tendon reflexes. With prompt treatment of [[plasmapheresis]] followed by [[immunoglobulins]] and supportive care, the majority of patients will regain full functional capacity. However, death may occur if severe pulmonary complications and [[dysautonomia]] are present. | '''Guillain-Barré syndrome''' ('''GBS''') is an acute, autoimmune, [[neuropathy|polyradiculoneuropathy]] affecting the [[peripheral nervous system]], usually triggered by an acute infectious process. It is included in the wider group of [[peripheral neuropathy|peripheral neuropathies]]. There are several types of GBS, but unless otherwise stated, GBS refers to the most common form, acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP). It is frequently severe and usually exhibits as an ascending paralysis noted by weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper limbs and the face along with complete loss of deep tendon reflexes. With prompt treatment of [[plasmapheresis]] followed by [[immunoglobulins]] and supportive care, the majority of patients will regain full functional capacity. However, death may occur if severe pulmonary complications and [[dysautonomia]] are present. | ||
==Physical examination== | ==Physical examination== | ||
===General physical examination== | ===General physical examination=== | ||
The findings on physical examination indicates features of autonomic dysfunction and weakness of respiratory muscles | |||
* Hyper or hypothermia either could be present. | |||
* Tachypnea due to respiratory failure could be seen. | |||
* Tachycardia or bradycardia may be seen | |||
* Hypertension or hypotension can be seen. | |||
===Diagnostic criteria=== | ===Diagnostic criteria=== | ||
* '''Required''' | * '''Required''' | ||
Revision as of 15:04, 24 February 2012
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editors-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, MBBS [2]
Overview
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute, autoimmune, polyradiculoneuropathy affecting the peripheral nervous system, usually triggered by an acute infectious process. It is included in the wider group of peripheral neuropathies. There are several types of GBS, but unless otherwise stated, GBS refers to the most common form, acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP). It is frequently severe and usually exhibits as an ascending paralysis noted by weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper limbs and the face along with complete loss of deep tendon reflexes. With prompt treatment of plasmapheresis followed by immunoglobulins and supportive care, the majority of patients will regain full functional capacity. However, death may occur if severe pulmonary complications and dysautonomia are present.
Physical examination
General physical examination
The findings on physical examination indicates features of autonomic dysfunction and weakness of respiratory muscles
- Hyper or hypothermia either could be present.
- Tachypnea due to respiratory failure could be seen.
- Tachycardia or bradycardia may be seen
- Hypertension or hypotension can be seen.
Diagnostic criteria
- Required
- Progressive, relatively symmetrical weakness of 2 or more limbs due to neuropathy
- Areflexia
- Disease course < 4 weeks
- Exclusion of other causes (see below)
- Supportive
- relatively symmetric weakness accompanied by numbness and/or tingling
- mild sensory involvement
- facial nerve or other cranial nerve involvement
- absence of fever
- typical CSF findings obtained from lumbar puncture
- electrophysiologic evidence of demyelination from electromyogram