Physiotherapy management of a 23 years old adult with guillain-barre syndrome (GBS)

Madhumita Yadav, Nupur Thombare, NehaChitale, Pratik Phansopkar

Department of Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, DattaMeghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Sawangi, Wardha, Maharashtra, India.

ABSTRACT

Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is polyradiculoneuropathy, which happens when part of the peripheral nervous system is attacked by the body's immune system. This attack can cause impairment of sensation, motor function insufficiency, and extreme pain in damaged areas, resulting in dysfunction hampering the upper and lower limbs. Physical therapy can promote rehabilitation and allow people with Guillain-Barre syndrome to remain as involved as possible in their work, home and social lives. Physiotherapy can help individuals improve their ability and help to get them back to the level they used to be. A 23-year-old male presented with serious gastrointestinal illness and severe weakness at the hospital with symptoms of impairment related to upper and lower limb movement. He felt the fatigue, tingling and numbness in both his upper and lower limbs. The weakness in the upper and lower extremities was more advanced in subsequent days. His subsequent impairment and incoordination in his upper and lower extremities left him unable to do any job and was hospitalized by a member of his family. The patient was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). Physical therapy is an important component of GBS rehabilitation and management. Long-term physiotherapy, rehabilitation and the design of specialized program and active patient engagement are needed. Their proper use can help a patient alleviate discomfort, improve strength and stamina, and avoid secondary complications and damage to muscles and joints by overuse, while improving balance and mobility. Significant improvement was seen in the patient performance post physiotherapy. Patient was able to perform ADLs on his own.

Keywords:

Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Polyneuropathy, Nerve Conduction Study, Rehabilitation