Guillain-Barré syndrome other diagnostic studies: 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. | ||
==Other diagnostic studies== | ==Other diagnostic studies== | ||
ECD is used almost every time to verify symptoms, but because of the acute nature of the disease, they may not become abnormal until after the first week of onset of signs and symptoms. | |||
* '''Electrodiagnostics''' - [[electromyography]] (EMG) and [[nerve conduction study]] (NCS) may show prolonged distal latencies, conduction slowing, conduction block, and temporal dispersion of compound action potential in demyelinating cases. In primary axonal damage, the findings include reduced amplitude of the action potentials without conduction slowing. | * '''Electrodiagnostics''' - [[electromyography]] (EMG) and [[nerve conduction study]] (NCS) may show prolonged distal latencies, conduction slowing, conduction block, and temporal dispersion of compound action potential in demyelinating cases. In primary axonal damage, the findings include reduced amplitude of the action potentials without conduction slowing. | ||
The following tests may be ordered: | The following tests may be ordered: | ||
*[[EMG]] tests the electrical activity in [[muscles]]. It may show that [[nerves]] do not react properly to stimulation. | *[[EMG]] tests the electrical activity in [[muscles]]. It may show that [[nerves]] do not react properly to stimulation. | ||
*[[Nerve conduction velocity test]] shows that electrical activity along the [[nerves]] is slowed or blocked. | *[[Nerve conduction velocity test]] shows that electrical activity along the [[nerves]] is slowed or blocked. | ||
Revision as of 20:52, 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.
Other diagnostic studies
ECD is used almost every time to verify symptoms, but because of the acute nature of the disease, they may not become abnormal until after the first week of onset of signs and symptoms.
- Electrodiagnostics - electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study (NCS) may show prolonged distal latencies, conduction slowing, conduction block, and temporal dispersion of compound action potential in demyelinating cases. In primary axonal damage, the findings include reduced amplitude of the action potentials without conduction slowing.
The following tests may be ordered:
- EMG tests the electrical activity in muscles. It may show that nerves do not react properly to stimulation.
- Nerve conduction velocity test shows that electrical activity along the nerves is slowed or blocked.