Guillain-Barre Syndrome: From Diagnosis to Recovery (American Academy of Neurology Press Quality of Life Guides)

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. Feelings of tingling and weakness increase in intensity until the muscles cannot be used at all and the patient is almost totally paralyzed. No one knows why Guillain-Barre strikes some people and not others, or what sets the disease in motion. What we do know is that GBS is now the most common cause of acute paralysis in Western countries since the virtual elimination of poliomyelitis with vaccination programs.__Guillain-Barre Syndrome__, co-authored by a survivor of this illness, addresses all aspects of this condition, including initial symptoms, diagnostic evaluation and criteria, general and illness specific treatments, and typical outcomes. Fortunately, most GBS patients have a good recovery, but the pathway to this goal can be slow and scary. This book covers a wide range of issues including: * Features unique to GBS such as pain without injury and other abnormal sensations * Workplace adjustment with incomplete recovery * Intensive care unit management * Practical caregivers guidelines * The rehabilitation process * Sexual dysfunction, and much more __Guillain-Barre Syndrome__ is a comprehensive book, written in lay terms, covering everything from diagnosis to emotional issues. It is a book that stands alone.This latest volume in the __American Academy of Neurology Press Quality of Life Guide__ series is an essential tool for all individuals, families, and caregivers coping with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Contents......Page 6 About the AAN Press Quality of Life Guides......Page 8 Foreword......Page 10 Preface......Page 12 Acknowledgments......Page 14 CHAPTER 1 What Is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?......Page 18 CHAPTER 2 What Are the Effects of Guillain-Barré Syndrome?......Page 26 CHAPTER 3 How Is Guillain-Barré Syndrome Diagnosed?......Page 56 CHAPTER 4 What Causes Guillain-Barré Syndrome?......Page 70 CHAPTER 5 Supportive Treatments in the Acute Care Hospital......Page 82 CHAPTER 6 Rehabilitation and Coming Home......Page 126 CHAPTER 7 Immunotherapy Treatment......Page 164 CHAPTER 8 Life After Guillain-Barré Syndrome......Page 172 CHAPTER 9 Chronic Immune-Mediated Polyneuropathies......Page 212 A......Page 236 B......Page 238 C......Page 239 D......Page 241 E......Page 242 G......Page 243 I......Page 244 L......Page 245 M......Page 246 N......Page 247 P......Page 248 Q......Page 251 S......Page 252 T......Page 254 V......Page 255 W......Page 256 Resources......Page 258 A......Page 268 B......Page 269 C......Page 270 D......Page 271 F......Page 272 H......Page 273 L......Page 274 N......Page 275 O......Page 276 P......Page 277 R......Page 278 T......Page 279 V......Page 280 Z......Page 281 Guillain-Barr? Syndrome causes the body's immune system to attack the peripheral nervous system, producing feelings of tingling and weakness that increase in intensity until the patient is almost totally paralyzed. Claiming thousands of new victims each year, GBS can strike anyone at any age, regardless of gender or ethnicity. Fortunately, most patients have a good recovery, but the pathway to this goal can be slow and frightening. Written by two experts in the field — one a GBS survivor himself — Guillain-Barr? Syndrome addresses all aspects of the condition, including initial symptoms, diagnostic evaluation and criteria, general and illness-specific treatments, and typical outcomes. The book covers a wide range of issues, including pain without injury and other abnormal sensations unique to GBS; the rehabilitation process; workplace adjustment with incomplete recovery; sexual dysfunction; guidelines for caregivers; and much more. Written in laymen’s terms, this practical, reassuring book helps patients manage this puzzling illness. "Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. Feelings of tingling and weakness increase in intensity until the muscles cannot be used at all and the patient is almost totally paralyzed. No one knows why Guillain-Barre strikes some people and not others, or what sets the disease in motion. What we do know is that GBS is now the most common cause of acute paralysis in Western countries since the virtual elimination of poliomyelitis with vaccination programs. Guillain-Barre Syndrome , co-authored by a survivor of this illness, addresses all aspects of this condition, including initial symptoms, diagnostic evaluation and criteria, general and illness specific treatments, and typical outcomes. Fortunately, most GBS patients have a good recovery, but the pathway to this goal can be slow and scary. This book covers a wide range of issues What Is Guillain-barré Syndrome? -- What Are The Effects Of Guillain-barré Syndrome? -- How Is Guillain-barré Syndrome Diagnosed? -- What Causes Guillain-barré Syndrome? -- The Treatment Of Guillain-barré Syndrome: Supportive Treatments In The Acute Care Hospital -- Rehabilitation And Coming Home -- Immunotherapy Treatment -- Life After Guillain-barré Syndrome -- Chronic Immune-mediated Polyneuropathies. Gareth J. Parry, Joel S. Steinberg. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 248-249) And Index.