Case Report on Guillian-Barre Syndrome

 

Sahana B1, Sahana M M2

1Assistant Lecturer Department of Nursing Foundation, JSS college of Nursing, Mysuru, Karnataka, India.

2Assistant Lecturer Medical Surgical Nursing, JSS college of Nursing Mysuru, Karnataka, India.

*Corresponding Author E-mail:

 

ABSTRACT:

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a serious but manageable condition. A monophasic polyradiculoneuropathy that is classically postinfectious and immune-mediated, it stands as the primary global cause of acquired neuromuscular paralysis. In many instances, the immunopathological mechanism causing nerve damage is poorly understood. The diagnosis of GBS is based on clinical characteristics, reinforced by laboratory results and electrophysiological evaluations. While once categorized into primary demyelinating or axonal forms, this division is becoming increasingly contested and is not supported by the latest European Academy of Neurology (EAN)/Peripheral Nerve Society (PNS) guidelines. Intravenous immunoglobulin and plasma exchange continue to be the main treatment methods, irrespective of the electrophysiological subtype. The majority of patients improve, but around one-third need mechanical ventilation, and 5% pass away. Currently, disease activity and treatment response are assessed through regular neurological examinations and outcome measures, while the possible role of fluid biomarkers is being continuously investigated. New possible treatments for GBS are being investigated, but none have changed clinical practice so far. This review offers an extensive update on the clinical and pathological features of GBS for both clinicians and researchers.

 

KEYWORDS: Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Classification, Diagnosis, Management, Prevention.

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

The immune system of the body targets peripheral nerves in Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a neurological condition. In certain instances, it may happen after surgery, but most cases begin a few days or weeks after a viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract or respiratory system. It can cause significant discomfort, impairment of upper and lower extremity perception, motor control deficiency, and muscle weakness.

 

DEFINITION:

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) as a rare neurological condition in which the body's immune system unintentionally targets a peripheral nerve. Muscle weakness, tingling, and in extreme situations, temporary paralysis, can result from this attack. Globally, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a significant cause of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) and an acute, immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy.

 

ETIOLOGY:

Although the precise origin of GB syndrome is unknown, it involves both humeral and cell-mediated immunological systems.  Numerous infections and germs, such as Campylobacter jejuni, cytomegalovirus, Haemophilus influenza, Epstein-Barr virus, Zika virus, and more recently, COVID-19, can cause this illness.

 

 

Statistics: In Uttara Kannada district (Yellapur and Haliyal taluks), about 30-35 suspected GBS cases were reported in Janauary 2025 among pilgrims returning from Maharashtra. Over the last six months at NIMHANS, there have been about 90 cases of GBS in Karnataka.

 

CLASSIFICATION:

Based on clinical, pathophysiological, and electrophysiological data, GBS has been divided into several subtypes. These include

1.     Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradic uloneuropathy (AIDP)

2.     Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN),

3.     Acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN)

 

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

The patients with GBS shows the symptoms of weakness, most commonly starting in the legs paralysis and progressing upward or ascending paralysis which involves arms, cranial nerves and in severe cases muscles of respiration. The maximum patients develop the symptoms within four weeks from onset. Many patients also experience pain, tingling sensations, numbness, weakness of facial muscles, and difficulty in swallowing with loss of reflexes, and autonomic dysfunction (such as heart rate or blood pressure instability). Severe cases around 25% of the patients develop respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation.

 

DIAGNOSIS:

The diagnosis of GBS is based on:

·       History collection

·       Physical examination

·       CSF examination

·       Electrodiagnostic studies

·       Blood test

·       Electromyography

·       Nerve conduction studies

·       Lumber puncture or spinal tap.

 

MANAGEMENT:

Plasma exchange, also known as plasmapheresis:

Immunoglobulin Therapy:

·       Corticosteroids

·       Ventilator support

 

Non-Pharmacologic Therapy:

·       Close monitoring of respiratory function

·       Frequent repositioning of the patient

·       Prevention of thromboembolism with antithrombotic stockings and subcutaneous heparin

·       Emotional support and social counselling

 

Other Management:

·       Monitoring and management for respiratory failure and airway compromise

·       Monitoring and management for autonomic nervous system dysfunction

·       Prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis

·       Pain management

·       Positioning and skin care

·       Physical therapy

·       Nutrition

 

PREVENTION:

·       Practice good hygiene

·       Safe Food Handling

·       Ensure Clean Drinking Water

·       Maintain a healthy lifestyle

 

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9.      Leonhard SE, Mandarakas MR, Gondim FA, Bateman K, Ferreira ML, Cornblath DR, van Doorn PA, Dourado ME, Hughes RA, Islam B, Kusunoki S. Diagnosis and management of Guillain–Barré syndrome in ten steps. Nature Reviews Neurology. 2019; 15(11): 671-83.

 

 

 

 

Received on 18.08.2025         Revised on 16.09.2025

Accepted on 08.10.2025         Published on 03.11.2025

Available online from November 12, 2025

A and V Pub J. of Nursing and Medical Res. 2025;4(4):136-137.

DOI: 10.52711/jnmr.2025.31

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