K.N.O.W. Home Health - Guillain-Barre syndrome

GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME

What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (say: GEE-yan bah-RAY) is a rare condition where the body’s immune system attacks the nerves. It can cause muscle weakness, tingling, or even paralysis (not being able to move parts of your body). It often starts in the legs and can spread to the arms or upper body.

What Causes It?

Doctors don’t know the exact cause, but many people get Guillain-Barré Syndrome after having a virus or infection, like the flu or a stomach bug. Sometimes it can happen after surgery or a vaccine. It is not contagious — you can’t catch it from someone else.

What Are the Symptoms?

Tingling in the feet and hands
Muscle weakness in the legs or arms
Trouble walking or climbing stairs
Trouble breathing (in serious cases)
Pain or cramping in the muscles
Trouble moving the face (like smiling or blinking)

Symptoms can get worse quickly over days or weeks.

How Is It Treated?

Guillain-Barré is usually treated in a hospital. Treatments may include:

IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) – medicine given through a vein to stop the immune system from attacking the nerves.
Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) – a treatment that cleans the blood to remove harmful antibodies.
Physical therapy – helps regain strength and movement.

Most people recover, but it can take weeks to months. Some may have long-lasting weakness.

Is There a Special Diet?

There is no special diet for Guillain-Barré, but eating healthy foods can help the body heal. If swallowing is hard, a soft or liquid diet may be needed. A speech therapist or nurse can help.

Precautions and Special Considerations:

Watch for breathing problems — weakness can affect breathing muscles.
Prevent falls — use assistive devices as needed.
Avoid infections — the body may be weaker and more likely to get sick.

When to Call the Home Health Nurse or Doctor:

Call your nurse or doctor if you notice:

New or worse tingling or weakness
Difficulty swallowing
Feeling dizzy or having trouble walking
Low energy or problems moving around

When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER):

Go to the ER right away if you:

Have trouble breathing
Cannot move your legs or arms suddenly
Have chest pain or a fast heartbeat
Feel very weak or faint

Patient Homework / Assessment

Instructions: Read each statement and circle True or False.

True / False – Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a condition where the immune system attacks the nerves.
True / False – The first symptom of Guillain-Barré is usually chest pain.
True / False – Guillain-Barré can cause tingling or weakness in the legs and arms.
True / False – This condition is very common and spreads easily from person to person.
True / False – Most people with Guillain-Barré had an infection, like the flu, before it started.
True / False – Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a type of cancer.
True / False – Some people with this condition may need help breathing.
True / False – There is no treatment for Guillain-Barré.
True / False – IVIG and plasma exchange are two common treatments.
True / False – Physical therapy can help people regain strength.
True / False – Most people get worse and never recover from Guillain-Barré.
True / False – Eating healthy foods helps the body heal.
True / False – A soft or liquid diet may be needed if swallowing is hard.
True / False – You should not report new tingling or weakness to your nurse.
True / False – Falling is a risk for people with Guillain-Barré, so safety is important.
True / False – It is important to prevent infections because the body may be weak.
True / False – Feeling very weak or dizzy is a reason to call your doctor or nurse.
True / False – Trouble breathing is an emergency and you should go to the ER.
True / False – You will always be paralyzed if you have Guillain-Barré.
True / False – Guillain-Barré Syndrome is not contagious.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:
“Have you noticed sudden weakness, tingling, or numbness in your legs, arms, or face that started recently?”

Activity Impact / Safety:
“Do these symptoms make it hard or unsafe for you to walk, move around, or do daily activities?”

Treatment Adherence:
“Are you following your doctor’s treatment plan, including therapies like immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasma exchange, and physical therapy exercises?”

Preventive Measures:
“Are you resting when needed, avoiding infections, and monitoring for breathing or swallowing difficulties that need immediate help?”