Pathophysiology of Guillian-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

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Guillian-Barré Syndrome (GBS) derives from a disorder associated with a Campylobacter jejuni infection. Campylobacter is known with multiple pathologic forms of GBS, including the demyelinating and axonal forms. GBS can cause weakness in the limbs and an absence of reflexes. There is a weakness in proximal and distal, and often, respiratory cases are involved. GBS can lead to paralysis, depending on the virulence. If virulent enough, GBS will affect the respiratory system, which often leads to patients in ventilating machines due to difficulty in breathing. There are six subtypes to GBS with acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy being the most common form. The immune system attacks the Schwan cell membranes in response to a bacterial or viral infection. This will lead to reflex weakness and minor sensory changes. Weak motor reflexes follow the sensory symptoms. This may lead to respiratory failure if respiratory muscles are affected. Since the immune system attacks the Schwann cells, which are the cells responsible for producing myelin for the nerves, the myelin sheath will be affected. Most patients’ symptoms can be resolved with re-myelination. Miller-Fisher Syndrome is a rare form of GBS. This subtype is distinguished by the reverse paralysis rather than the order of the more common types of GBS. There is an abnormal eye coordination that may lead to paralysis in the eye muscles. This weakness of the eye muscles essential for eye movement is called ophthalmoplegia. Ophthalmoplegia is a cardinal feature, meaning it is the primary clinical symptom by which a diagnosis is made. In addition, present in Miller-Fisher syndrome is loss of full control of body movements, or ataxia. For Miller-Fisher syndrome, ataxia u... ... middle of paper ... ...emedicine.medscape.com/article/315632-overview#aw2aab6b2b2>. "Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 23 Aug. 2012. Web. 19 Mar. 2014. . "Gullian Barre syndrome and its Variants." neuropathy.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014. . "NINDS Miller Fisher Syndrome Information Page." Miller Fisher Syndrome Information Page: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Mar. 2014. . "Result Filters." National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2014. .

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