Guillain-Barre Syndrome
The occurrence of Guillain-Barre Syndrome is not common although it causes severe symptoms when it affects an individual. Guillain-Barre is defined as a condition where the immune system of an individual, fights against the nerve system of the individual. The damage on the nerve system leads to muscle weaknesses and could be an emergency condition. The cause of Guillain-Barre is not known, but research has proved that a contagious respiratory infection always precedes the development of the condition. Severe cases of Guillain-Barre can be associated with the paralysis of the whole body and individuals could require hospitalization to receive medication.
The most common symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome begin as muscle weakness. The legs, arms and the face are mostly the first parts to receive the symptoms. The defect eventually moves to the other parts of the body and later the body is paralyzed. Victims have difficulties when walking since the legs are weakened (Ansar, Vibhuti and Valadi, 190). Also, the sight, chewing and swallowing of food become a problem when the face is affected. The arms weaken, and eventually, the victim cannot work. The symptoms proceed to the severity stage within two to four weeks after the first symptoms and victim develops breathing difficulties and low, or high blood pressure.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome is among several problems associated with nerves. Therefore, the diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome requires a clear understanding of the symptoms associated with the condition. The treatment of Guillain-Barre Syndrome can only be effective if the condition is observable and the causes have been identified. Nerve conduction velocity commonly referred to as electromyogram studies can be conducted to find out the specific problems affecting an individual’s nerves. The findings from Nerve conduction velocity can be used as a basis for starting a medication program for an infected individual (Boghani et al. 376). NMG is one of the two tests that are used to assist in the diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome. The other test that can be used in the diagnosis of Guillain-Barre is the test done to check the Lumbar puncture. The diagnosis of Guillain-Barre Syndrome has to consider other causes of nerve problems such as drugs and cancer.
Victims of Guillain-Barre Syndrome are however fortunate that the condition is manageable when noticed on time. The symptoms associated with Guillain-Barre Syndrome necessitate appropriate therapies and nursing care. Rehabilitation is also a significant boost towards recovery from Guillain-Barre Syndrome (Hugh, Bart, Jacobs and Pieter, 718). Symptoms such as breathing failure require that the victim is in a medical facility with the necessary equipment to save their life when the need arises. For example, difficulties in breathing could require aided breathing which requires an individual to be in the intensive care unit. Also, difficulty in swallowing could mean that an individual has to be helped to swallow food by a machine. Individuals suffering from Guillain-Barre Syndrome may also suffer from low or high blood pressure, and thus their heart rate should always be kept at check to avoid extreme impacts that include death. Effective treatment of individuals with Guillain-Barre Syndrome has been seen to produce complete or almost complete recovery from Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
In sum, Guillain-Barre Syndrome is not a common condition, but the symptoms associated with the condition require undivided attention. The main symptoms associated with Guillain-Barre Syndrome are nerve damages and body paralysis. Guillain-Barre Syndrome is manageable, and victims could completely recover from the condition if treatment is effective.
Works Cited
Ansar, Vibhuti, and Nojan Valadi. “Guillain-Barré syndrome.” Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice 42.2 (2015): 189-193.
Boghani, Zain, et al. “Acute onset of Guillain-Barré syndrome after elective spinal surgery.” World neurosurgery 84.2 (2015): 376-379.
Willison, Hugh J., Bart C. Jacobs, and Pieter A. Van Doorn. “Guillain-barre syndrome.” The Lancet 388.10045 (2016): 717-727.