GBS Important !!!

Etiology of GBS

• Cause is not fully understood 

• Most cases follow an infection with a virus or bacteria: 

  • Typical Infections: Gastrointestinal infections, Respiratory infections (COVID-19), Epstein-Barr 

  • These viruses mimic proteins on peripheral nerves. When the body activates the inflammatory response, it creates antibodies to fight the pathogen. 

  • The antibodies mistakenly bind to and damage proteins on the myelin sheath, causing demyelination of the peripheral nerves

GBS often

follows a viral or bacterial infection (respiratory, gastrointestinal, COVID-19, Epstein-Barr)

Autoimmune reaction to GBS

body’s immune system attacks myelin sheath of peripheral nerves

Risk of GBS increases with 

age

Symptoms of AIDP

Symmetrical ascending weakness, tingling, or numbness in legs usually starting in the lower extremities but can spread to the trunk and upper extremities

Areflexia

Absense of deep tendon reflexes

Hyporeflexia

Decreased or absent muscle reflex responses (Babinski sign-reflex response to stimulation in the foot)

Paresthesia

Pain beginning in toes and fingertips

Paralysis

Not being able to walk/eat

Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS)

paralysis starts in the eyes

Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP)

most common, muscle weakness that starts in lower part of body

Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy (AMAN)

acute paralysis loss of reflexes without sensory loss

Acute Motor Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN)

severe variant that affects both motor and sensory nerves

Myelin Sheath

Protective, fatty layer that surrounds nerve fibers, facilitating rapid signal transmission in the nervous system.