Guillain-Barré Syndrome Nursing NCLEX | Guillain-Barré Symptoms, Treatment, Causes

Guillain-Barré syndrome, also called GBS, nursing review lecture for NCLEX and nursing school: This lecture covers symptoms, causes, nursing interventions, and treatments for Guillain-Barré syndrome. Guillain-Barré syndrome is an autoimmune neuro condition where the immune system attacks the nerves in the peripheral nervous system and cranial nerves. What specifically on the nerve cell is the immune system attacking? The immune system, which was attacking an illness, starts to confuse the cranial and PNS nerves for the illness and attacks the myelin sheath (demyelination occurs), which affects nerve transmission. The myelin sheath normally functions as an insulator to help nerve transmission, but when they become damaged this leads to a decrease or complete loss of nerve signaling. Why is this happening? Guillain-Barré syndrome can happen in any person at any age! There is no cure, but treatment (IV immunoglobulin therapy or plasmapheresis) can help decrease signs and symptoms. Guillain-Barré syndrome tends to peak with its signs and symptoms at about 2 weeks, and then remyelination starts to occurs (so the patient’s signs and symptoms will start to resolve). Most patients will fully recover to their baseline in 1-2 years. The road to recovery can be long and difficult for many patients. In GBS, most patients report experiencing a previous infection. This is usually one to two weeks from the onset of signs and symptoms associated with GB. Illnesses reported are either an upper respiratory or gastrointestinal addition, experiencing the Epstein-Barr virus, HIV/AIDS, or receiving the flu or swine flu vaccine have been associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome. There are various types of GBS and cases can vary from mild to very severe. The most common type in the United States is called Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (AIDP), which is what we will concentrate on in this lecture. Patients who experience this type of GBS tend to have paralysis/weakness or a tingling sensation that starts symmetrically in the lower extremities that will migrate upward over time. It can progress to where the patient actually becomes paralyzed. How is Guillain-Barré syndrome diagnosed? An electromyography and nerve conduction study along with a lumbar puncture (elevated protein without elevated white blood cells) Guillain-Barré syndrome symptoms include: tingling or numbness in lower extremities that spread upward over time to other areas of the body (paresthesia), absent or diminished reflexes, paralysis, facial paralysis, dysphagia, dysarthria, severe muscle pain/cramps, respiratory failure, autonomic issues etc. Complications can arise from Guillain-Barré syndrome which include: respiratory failure, infection, blood clots, pressure ulcers (injuries), facial paralysis, aspiration, difficulty swallowing or speaking, urinary retention, autonomic dysfunction (orthostatic hypotension, paroxysmal hypertension, dysrhythmiasetc.), constipation etc. Nursing interventions for Guillain-Barré syndrome: please watch the video for an in-depth review of these interventions. NCLEX Quiz: Notes: More Neuro Reviews: Follow Us: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: #guillainbarre #nursing #nurse #GBS Subscribe: Nursing School Supplies: Popular Playlists: NCLEX Reviews: Fluid & Electrolytes: Nursing Skills: Nursing School Study Tips: Nursing School Tips & Questions“ Teaching Tutorials: