From the Editor

Guillen Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a form of polyneuropathy that produces rapidly

worsening muscle weakness, sometimes leading to paralysis. It is also known as acute

ascending polyneuritis.

In about 80 per cent of the people, symptoms begin about 5 days to 3 weeks after a mild

infection, surgery or an immunization.

Guillain Barre Syndrome usually begins with weakness, tingling and loss of sensation in both legs, then progresses upward to the arm.   Weakness is the most prominent symptoms. In 90 per cent of the people who have Guillian Barre Syndrome, weakness is most severe within 2 to 3 weeks.  In 5 to 10 per cent, the muscles that support breathing become so week that a respirator is needed

(a pressure ventilator).

Since no specific investigation can be done as laboratory test can't specifically diagnose GBS, physicians must recognize the disease from it's

pattern of symptoms. GBS is a serious disease and can worsen rapidly. As such if requires immediate hospitalization for intensive care.

Nursing care is very important for the prevention of bed sores physiotherapy is important to

prevent tightening of muscles and to preserve joint and muscle function. Once the diagnosis is made, plasmapheresis, in which toxic substances are

filtered from the blood, or infusion of autoimmune globulin is the treatment of choice.

From the Editor

Guillen Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a form of polyneuropathy that produces rapidly worsening muscle weakness, sometimes leading to paralysis. It is also known as acute ascending polyneuritis. In about 80 per cent of the people, symptoms begin about 5 days to 3 weeks after a mild infection, surgery or an immunization. Guillain Barre Syndrome usually begins with weakness, tingling and loss of sensation in both legs, then progresses upward to the arm. Weakness is the most prominent symptoms. In 90 per cent of the people who have Guillian Barre Syndrome, weakness is most severe within 2 to 3 weeks. In 5 to 10 per cent, the muscles that support breathing become so week that a respirator is needed (a pressure ventilator). Since no specific investigation can be done as laboratory test cant specifically diagnose GBS, physicians must recognize the disease from its pattern of symptoms. GBS is a serious disease and can worsen rapidly. As such if requires immediate hospitalization for intensive care. Nursing care is very important for the prevention of bed sores physiotherapy is important to prevent tightening of muscles and to preserve joint and muscle function. Once the diagnosis is made, plasmapheresis, in which toxic substances are filtered from the blood, or infusion of autoimmune globulin is the treatment of choice.