CIDP

WHAT IS GBS?

Introduction:

The disorder commonly called Guillain-Barré (ghee-yan bar-ray) syndrome is a rare illness that affects the peripheral nerves of the body. It can cause weakness and paralysis, as well as abnormal sensations. The syndrome occurs sporadically, that is, it cannot be predicted, and can occur at any age and to both sexes.

It can vary greatly in severity from the mildest case, that may not even be brought to the doctors’ attention, to a devastating illness with almost complete paralysis that brings a patient close to death.

Because it is so rare, most of the public has never heard of the illness, or if they did, know little about it. Yet, for those effected, the illness can be severely disabling. continue reading

VARIATION OF GBS?

Variants of Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Effects on the Peripheral Nerves

Receiving a diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) can be a profound shock. GBS is not a uniform condition; it presents in several forms, each with its own characteristics and potential outcomes.

Understanding the specific type of GBS is essential, as it has a significant impact on the likelihood of recovery and the choice of treatment. GBS usually develops after an infection or, in rare cases, following an immunisation. In this disorder, the immune system mistakenly targets parts of the peripheral nerves, releasing antibodies that attack these nerves instead of the original infection. continue reading

GUIDE FOR GP'S

by james g mcLeod AO, FRCP (Lond), FRACP Reprinted from Modern Medicine of Australia October 1995

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is the name given to acute idiopathic polyneuritis in honour of the French neurologists who described the condition in two soldiers in 1916. Undoubtedly there had been earlier descriptions. In brief, it is a clinical syndrome of progressive muscle weakness and respiratory paralysis associated with absent reflexes, which develops over a period of three to four weeks, usually following a viral or other infection.

The annual incidence is about two per 100,000 so that, for example, about 50 to 60 cases would be seen in Sydney each year. Early diagnosis is important since death from rapidly developing respiratory paralysis can occur if the illness is not recognised, and because there are now specific forms of treatment such as plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin that can help speed up recovery, reduce disability and prevent complications. continue reading

GUILLAIN-BARRÉ SYNDROME (GBS) STORIES

Sandra Cluley

My journey with GBS started nearly 30 yrs ago, as a fit, healthy and sporty 27 yr old, with a bout of influenza nicknamed

Glenda Ford

My name is Glenda and I am 53 years old. It is now 19 months since I left the hospital. Today if you were to meet me, you

Dulcie Hartley

The year 2O1O commenced with changes in my life. My husband of 63 years Jack, aged 87 years, had been admitted into Toronto Nursing Home in

Dulcie Hartley

The year 2O1O commenced with changes in my life. My husband of 63 years Jack, aged 87 years, had been admitted into Toronto Nursing Home in

Sandra Cluley

My journey with GBS started nearly 30 yrs ago, as a fit, healthy and sporty 27 yr old, with a bout of influenza nicknamed

Glenda Ford

My name is Glenda and I am 53 years old. It is now 19 months since I left the hospital. Today if you were to meet me, you

Dulcie Hartley

The year 2O1O commenced with changes in my life. My husband of 63 years Jack, aged 87 years, had been admitted into Toronto Nursing Home in

Dulcie Hartley

The year 2O1O commenced with changes in my life. My husband of 63 years Jack, aged 87 years, had been admitted into Toronto Nursing Home in

Sandra Cluley

My journey with GBS started nearly 30 yrs ago, as a fit, healthy and sporty 27 yr old, with a bout of influenza nicknamed

Glenda Ford

My name is Glenda and I am 53 years old. It is now 19 months since I left the hospital. Today if you were to meet me, you

Dulcie Hartley

The year 2O1O commenced with changes in my life. My husband of 63 years Jack, aged 87 years, had been admitted into Toronto Nursing Home in

Dulcie Hartley

The year 2O1O commenced with changes in my life. My husband of 63 years Jack, aged 87 years, had been admitted into Toronto Nursing Home in