Guillain-Barre, pronounced: gee-YAH-buh-RAY, syndrome is a rare disorder in which your body's immune system attacks your peripheral nerves instead of invading organisms. I chose this topic because my father suffered for over 7 years with this debilitating disease. I have only known one person to have it, him. I have heard of it because it is one of the questions on the Influenza administration questionnaire form. I feel it is a unique and often misdiagnosed disease. The exact cause is unknown. It is often preceded by an infectious illness such as a respiratory infection or the stomach flu. Surgery and the immunization for influenza has been linked, but both are very rare causes.
The beginning symptoms are tingling …show more content…
Hospitalization and rehabilitation is required. However, there is treatment to help speed up the recovery and reduce the acute symptoms. Plasma exchange or Immunoglobulin therapy are usually given. Plasma exchange is the liquid portion of your blood, called plasma, is removed and separated from your blood cells. The blood cells are then put back into your body, which manufactures more plasma to make up for what was removed. Plasmapheresis may work by ridding plasma of certain antibodies that contribute to the immune system's attack on the peripheral nerves. Immunoglobulin therapy is blood containing healthy antibodies from blood donors and given intravenously. High doses of immunoglobulin can block the damaging antibodies that contribute to Guillain-Barre syndrome. (Staff) Pain management is important so physical therapy can be executed. While immobile passive ROM is administered to keep the muscles flexible. When self-movement is regained: strength training, proper body mechanics and use of adaptive devices are taught. Water therapy is one of the best things to help with the recovery process. Rehabilitation can be ongoing. Psychological treatment is highly recommended, because this disease is life