• body's immune system attacks the nerve, controlling movements & body functions

• Symptoms of infection ~6wks before GBS symptoms begin including respiratory or gastrointestinal infection (Covid-19/Zika Virus)

• No cure - treatment eases symptoms & speed recovery

  • Most people recover completely, but serious cases can be fatal

Other Symptoms:

• A pins and needles feeling in the fingers, toes, ankles or wrists.

• Weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper body.

• Unsteady walk or not being able to walk or climb stairs.

• Trouble with facial movements, including speaking, chewing or swallowing.

• Double vision or inability to move the eyes.

• Severe pain that may feel achy, shooting or cramp-like and may be worse at night.

• Trouble with bladder control or bowel function.

• Rapid heart rate.

• Low or high blood pressure.

• Trouble breathing.

Complications:

• trouble breathing - weakness/paralysis of breathing muscles

• residual numbness

• HR/BP problems

• pain

• bowel/bladder function challenges

• blood clots

• pressure sores

Primary Symptoms:

• • weakness

    • weakness/tingling in hands/feet - early symptoms

    • Spreads to lead to paralysis

  • numbness

  • paralysis

Recovery Timeline:

• Following onset of symptoms, condition worsens for ~ 2 wks

• Plateau reached within 4 wks

• Recovery begins after plateau, lasting 6-12 months, up to 3 yrs

• 80% walk independently 6 months after diagnosis

• 60% fully recover motor strength 1 yr after diagnosis

• 5-10% have delayed/incomplete recovery

Role of OT:

• pain relief

• strength/ROM of arms/legs

• fatigue management 

• education/training on adaptive devices (e.g. wheelchairs, braces) for mobility & self-care skills