Recognising and managing Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Guillain-Barré syndrome, a randomly acquired inflammatory condition that can lead to progressive muscle weakness and paralysis, is a rare presentation in emergency departments, and differentiating its early stages from common viral illnesses can be difficult. Emergency practitioners should be aware, therefore, of the subtle early signs of Guillain-Barré syndrome so that they can make a diagnosis and refer patients appropriately. This article examines the aetiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of the condition, and reviews the case of a 16-year-old girl diagnosed with a viral illness and discharged, but who was admitted to a neighbouring hospital a week later and diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Lugg
Jason
J
NHS South Gloucestershire.
D000293:Adolescent; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D016529:Emergency Nursing; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D015600:Glasgow Coma Scale; D020275:Guillain-Barre Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010808:Physical Examination; D010951:Plasma Exchange; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*
D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous