Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Primer for Clinicians
Presented by Paddy Garvin-Higgins
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Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is the most common cause of rapidly acquired ascending paralysis in the United States today. While a clear etiological cause needs to be determined, rehabilitation clinicians must have a good understanding of peripheral nerve involvement, signs and symptoms, progression of disease, and treatment in order to provide comprehensive patient care that leads to optimal functional outcomes. This course is most appropriate for nurses working in neurological inpatient and post-acute care rehabilitation settings. It could also be beneficial for other rehabilitation professionals, such as physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, social workers, and dietitians.
Meet your instructor
Paddy Garvin-Higgins
Paddy has been involved in the nursing field since 1968. She received a diploma certificate in registered nursing in 1975 from Lutheran Medical Center School of Nursing in Cleveland, Ohio. She received both her BSN (1993) and MN (1996) degrees from the University of Phoenix. She completed additional postgraduate work at Loma…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Incidence, Etiology, Causes, and Clinical Presentation of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
Although rare, GBS is the most common cause of rapidly acquired ascending paralysis. Clinicians need to have a good understanding of how a patient presents with this serious neurological disorder. This chapter will outline disease incidence, possible etiologic causes, and the progression of symptoms to be aware of in the initial phases following GBS occurrence.
2. Major Treatment Modalities for Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
Following a definitive diagnosis of GBS, treatment and care must be instituted as soon as possible to halt disease progression. This chapter will outline the major treatment modalities often provided to the patient diagnosed with GBS and the role of the interprofessional team.
3. Management of the Patient with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
It is imperative that clinicians be aware of the serious complications that can accompany GBS in order to integrate comprehensive modalities into the GBS patient’s plan of care. This chapter will outline management that spans transitions of care, from critical care to the post-acute care setting.
