PHYSIO:Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a disease in which the peripheral nerves (those outside the brain and spinal cord) become inflamed and stop working. This causes weakness of the muscles in the arms, legs, face and those responsible for breathing.

The initial symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) are usually numbness and tingling in the fingers and toes with increasing weakness in the arms and legs over the following days.

In the mild cases of GBS, the progression of weakness ceases at this point causing moderate difficulty in walking, requiring the use of a walking aid. In other cases the weakness continues to progress and causes a complete paralysis of the legs and the arms can also be affected.

In approximately 25% of cases the weakness progresses to the chest and the patient is unable to breathe independently and requires ventilation in an intensive care unit. The nerves supplying the throat and face muscles may also be affected making swallowing impossible.

Physiotherapy treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) should start in hospital and continue until you have reached your maximum potential.Neuro Physio are able to provide physiotherapy assessments and treatment as soon and as often as you require.

Physiotherapy for Guillain-Barré syndrome can:

• increase muscle strength
  
• increase mobility
  
• increase balance
  
• retrain normal patterns of movement
  
• increase energy levels
  
• assist in return to previous activity levels
  
• educate about GBS and symptoms
  

Physiotherapy treatment can consist of:

• ‘hands on’ physiotherapy
  
• home based exercise programmes
  
• specialist gym based rehab programmes
  
• hydrotherapy

Neuro Physio can also give advice regarding walking aids and equipment to speed up your recovery and make you home or work life easier.