Contributed by Matt Matlock, PT, DPT, Regional Director of Clinical Services
The month of May is recognized as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) awareness month.
What is GBS?
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a post-infectious, immune-mediated neuropathy. So what does that mean? An immune-mediated condition results from an abnormal immune system response in which a person’s immune system attacks and damages their peripheral nerves after an infection.
The first symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome are muscle weakness and/or tingling sensations. These symptoms typically come on suddenly and affect both sides of the body, starting in the feet and legs and spreading up the body. In more severe cases, a person may even experience issues with speaking or swallowing as well as visual changes.
Unlike most autoimmune conditions, GBS isn’t chronic. The symptoms of GBS can progress over hours, days or a few weeks. Most people reach the most severe stage of weakness within the first two weeks after symptoms appear.
How common is GBS?
Guillain-Barré syndrome is relatively rare with about 100,000 people worldwide diagnosed each year.
Is GBS preventable?
In most cases, Guillain-Barré syndrome isn’t preventable. Researchers don’t know why some people develop GBS after they get sick and others don’t.
Does GBS go away?
In the majority of cases, the symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome improve significantly with time and treatment (which may include therapy services). Most people start to recover two to three weeks after symptoms first start. The length of total recovery can vary from months to a year or more depending on the severity.
What is the role of therapy in working with someone with GBS?
Therapy plays a vital role in the process of recovery!
Physical Therapy: PT practitioners help manage symptoms like pain, stiffness and discomfort. They’ll also help regain muscle strength and provide training for utilization if an assistive device is needed.
Occupational Therapy: OT practitioners improve one’s ability to do daily tasks; this may include helping a person learn to use tools and new strategies to participate in activities safely.
Speech Therapy: If GBS affects the muscles of the mouth or throat, a speech-language pathologist can help one regain skills of swallowing and speaking.
Adapted from information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
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