GBS Recovery

The most important part of the recovery process is the mental status patient of the patient. It is imperative that the patient remains calm above all else. Reassure the patient that the majority of GBS patients do recover. Even patients with the mildest forms of GBS are hospitalized in intensive care units. This is a stand procedure and is done for precautionary measures. Irregular heart beat, irregular blood pressure, and interruptions in heartbeat and carefully monitored and measured. If no signs of interruptions are found the patient may be discharged. Further treatment involves the patient returning on an outpatient basis.

During the second week when patents are not able to walk, it is still unclear is immunotherapy is needed. However, residual signs may be a factor. Patients with mild forms of the disease are under close observation for at least eight days to make certain that the disease has not spread. As soon as the diagnosis is verified, the treatment process begins with a goal to reduce symptoms, offer immunotherapy, and attempt to shorten the disease. Efforts should also be made to in order to reduce some of the pain and to increase the comfort. The use of comfortable beds, air or water mattresses, a rack that keeps bedclothes elevated over a particularly painful body area, massage, hot or cold tub baths, acupuncture and physiotherapy can all help to ease the pain or discomfort felt by the patient. All the patient’s joints should be exercised, several times daily, to avoid joint pain and muscle deterioration. Exercise has optimal benefits as a treatment, keeping the muscles strong and flexible, and shortening the period of physiotherapy required during recovery. Most patients cannot communicate whether they are in p...

... middle of paper ...

...ch may require the services of a speech therapist.

Recovery can be a long and tedious process, differing from patient to patient, but the recovery rate is high. Also, there are many treatment options that are suitable for each patient. Death can occur in up to 5% of the cases, usually due to cardiovascular or respiratory complications. Of the rest, 70% make an excellent recovery with no permanent damage, even after a severe attack of GBS. 20% are disabled and about 10% are severely disabled. 10-20% of the patients are still somewhat weak 3 years later, while 5-10% have severe permanent motor problems and may require a wheelchair to get around.

Works Cited

Marcussen, Sharon. "All about Guillain-Barré: Symptoms of the Syndrome, Their Intensity and the Way Patients Experience Them." Planet Marcussen: Globaltrotters and Global Nomads Unlimited! Web. 25 Sept. 2011.