Guillian Barre Syndrome

Guillian Barre syndrome often affects young people with a relatively long remaining life expectancy and is therefore an important cause of long term disability for those patients with residual deficits.

Most patients with GBS are discharged home with outpatient and home rehabilitation programs. However, 40% of all GBS patients require inpatient rehabilitation (especially those requiring ventilatory support).

Although general practitioners may see GBS sufferers infrequently in their practice, the needs andissues of these patients and their families are significant.

Prolonged immobilisation leads to reduction of blood volume, and this with concurrent postural hypotension can be difficult to manage. A tilt table for immobilised patients can be effectively used in rehabilitation units.

Early mobilisation of patients will lower serum calcium levels and counter immobilisation hypercalcaemia.

Physical therapy encompasses a graduated mobility program which includes: Maintenance of the patient's posture and alignment, maintaining joint range of motion (passive, active, active assisted), providing ankle foot orthosis to prevent plantar contractures.

These movements improve endurance (repetitive exercises with low resistance), strengthening different muscle groups, and improving flexibility with a progressive ambulation program that commences with bed mobility techniques and the use of a wheelchair - to patients walking using adaptive gait aids (frames, crutches).