Treatments for Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Treatments for Guillain-Barre Syndrome
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources
for Guillain-Barre Syndrome
includes the following list.
Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment
or change in treatment plans.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Is the Diagnosis Correct?
The first step in getting correct treatment is
to get a correct diagnosis.
Differential diagnosis list for Guillain-Barre Syndrome may include:
Hidden causes of Guillain-Barre Syndrome may be incorrectly diagnosed:
Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Research Doctors & Specialists
Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.
Unlabeled Drugs and Medications to treat Guillain-Barre Syndrome:
Unlabelled alternative drug treatments for Guillain-Barre Syndrome include:
- Triamcinolone
- Amcort
- Artistocort
- Aristospan
- Articulose LA
- Cenocort Forte
- Cenocort
- Kenalog
- Kenalog IN
- Kenaject
- Tristoject
- Kenalone
- TAC-D
- TAC-40
- Triam-A
- Triam-Forte
- Triamolone 40
- Tri-Kort
- Trilog
- Immune Globulin (intravenous)
- Carimune
- Carimune NF
- Flebogamma
- Gamimune N
- Gammagard S/D
- Gammar-P
- Gamunex
- Iveegam EN
- Octagam
- Panglobulin
- Panglobulin NF
- Polygam S/D
- Iveegam Immuno
- Cilax
- Intacglobin
- Sandoblobulina
Latest treatments for Guillain-Barre Syndrome:
The following are some of the latest treatments for Guillain-Barre Syndrome:
Discussion of treatments for Guillain-Barre Syndrome:
NINDS Guillain-Barre Syndrome Information Page: NINDS (Excerpt)
There is no known cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome, but
therapies can lessen the severity of the illness and accelerate the
recovery in most patients. There are also a number of ways to treat the
complications of the disease. Currently, plasmapheresis and high-dose
immunoglobulin therapy are used. Plasmapheresis seems to reduce the
severity and duration of the Guillain-Barré episode. In high-dose
immunoglobulin therapy, doctors give intravenous injections of the
proteins that in small quantities, the immune system uses naturally to
attack invading organism. Investigators have found that giving high doses
of these immunoglobulins, derived from a pool of thousands of normal
donors, to Guillain-Barré patients can lessen the immune attack on the
nervous system. The most critical part of the treatment for this syndrome
consists of keeping the patient's body functioning during recovery of the
nervous system. This can sometimes require placing the patient on a
respirator, a heart monitor, or other machines that assist body function.
(Source: excerpt from NINDS Guillain-Barre Syndrome Information Page: NINDS)
Guillain-Barre Syndrome: NWHIC (Excerpt)
There is no known cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome, but it will usually
go away with time. There are therapies that can lessen the severity of the
symptoms and accelerate the recovery in most patients. There are also a
number of ways to treat the complications of the disease. Currently,
plasmapheresis and high-dose immunoglobulin therapy are
used. Plasmapheresis is a procedure in which abnormal antibodies are
removed from the blood, which seems to reduce the severity and duration of
the Guillain-Barré episode. Intravenous high-dose immunoglobulin therapy
temporarily modifies the immune system and provides the body with normal
antibodies from donated blood. The most critical part of treatment for
this syndrome consists of keeping the patient's body functioning during
recovery of the nervous system. This can sometimes require placing the
patient on a respirator, a heart monitor, or other machines that assist
body function. (Source: excerpt from Guillain-Barre Syndrome: NWHIC)
Guillain-Barre Syndrome: NWHIC (Excerpt)
Guillain-Barre syndrome patients face not only physical difficulties,
but emotionally difficult events as well. It is often extremely difficult
for patients to adjust to sudden paralysis and dependence on others for
help with routine daily activities. Patients sometimes need psychological
counseling to help them adapt. (Source: excerpt from Guillain-Barre Syndrome: NWHIC)
Neuromuscular Diseases: NWHIC (Excerpt)
Supportive care until the condition is stabilized, then
rehabilitation therapy combined with whirlpool baths to relieve
pain and facilitate retraining of movements. A process called
plasmapheresis, which removes plasma and nervedamaging
antibodies from the blood, is used during the first few weeks
after a severe attack and may improve the chance of a full
recovery.
(Source: excerpt from Neuromuscular Diseases: NWHIC)
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Book Excerpts: Treatment of Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Treatments of Guillain-Barre Syndrome: Online Medical Books
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for more information about the treatments of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
Facial Paralysis & Bell's Palsy:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
- Bell's palsy
–IV acyclovir and corticosteroids may lead to better recovery and less neuronal degeneration
–Tape eye and use eye shade to protect the eye during
sleep
–Massage of weakened muscles
–Electrical stimulation of paralyzed muscles in cases with
delayed recovery
-
In other cases, treat the inciting causes (e.g., control of blood pressure and hyperlipidemia in patients with CVA, antibiotics for patients with Lyme disease, antivirals in Ramsay Hunt's syndrome, steroids for sarcoidosis)
-
Consider neurologic referral
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Facial Paralysis:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Treat underlying cause, if identified
–E.g., tympanomastoidectomy for cholesteatoma, resection or chemoradiation for malignancy
-
Psychological counseling when studies indicate expected poor prognosis
- Eye care
–Prevent exposure and drying of eye: Artificial tears, lubricating ointment, and moisture chamber at night
–Ophthalmologic exam to rule out exposure keratitis
–Surgical correction: Tarsorrhaphy, upper lid gold
weight or spring placement
-
Pharmacologic
–Steroids: Recommended, but exact benefit unclear
–Acyclovir: Suspected viral etiology of Bell palsy
-
Surgery
–Facial nerve decompression
–Facial reanimation procedures (nerve and/or muscle
grafting and/or transpositions)
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Paralysis:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
If paralysis has developed suddenly, suspect trauma or an acute vascular insult. After ensuring that the patient’s spine is properly immobilized, quickly determine his level of consciousness (LOC) and take his vital signs. Elevated systolic blood pressure, widening pulse pressure, and bradycardia may signal increasing intracranial pressure (ICP). If possible, elevate the patient’s head 30 degrees to decrease ICP, and attempt to keep his head straight and facing forward.
Evaluate the patient’s respiratory status, and be prepared to administer oxygen, insert an artificial airway, or provide intubation and mechanical ventilation, as needed. To help determine the nature of the patient’s injury, ask him for an account of the precipitating events. If he can’t respond, try to find an eyewitness.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Guillain-Barré syndrome:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Treatment is primarily supportive, including such measures as endotracheal (ET) intubation or tracheotomy if the patient has difficulty clearing secretions. Preventing complications is another goal of treatment.
Plasmapheresis is useful in decreasing severity of symptoms, thereby facilitating a more rapid recovery. I.V. immune globulin is equally effective in reducing the severity and duration of symptoms.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Vocal cord paralysis:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Treatment for unilateral vocal cord paralysis consists of injection of Teflon into the paralyzed cord, under direct laryngoscopy. This procedure enlarges the cord and brings it closer to the other cord, which usually strengthens the voice and protects the airway from aspiration. Thyroplasty also serves to reposition the vocal cord, but in this procedure an implant is placed through a neck incision. The ansa cervicalis nerve transfer allows for reinnervation of the muscles of the vocal cord. Bilateral cord paralysis in an adducted position necessitates a tracheostomy.
Alternative treatments for adults include endoscopic arytenoidectomy to open the glottis, and lateral fixation of the arytenoid cartilage through an external neck incision. Excision or fixation of the arytenoid cartilage improves airway patency but produces residual voice impairment.
Treatment for hysterical aphonia may include psychotherapy and hypnosis.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Paralysis:
Emergency Interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If paralysis has developed suddenly, suspect trauma or an acute vascular insult. After ensuring that the patient’s spine is properly immobilized, quickly determine his level of consciousness (LOC) and take his vital signs. Elevated systolic blood pressure, widening pulse pressure, and bradycardia may signal increasing intracranial pressure (ICP). If possible, elevate the patient’s head 30 degrees to decrease ICP.
Evaluate respiratory status, and be prepared to administer oxygen, insert an artificial airway, or provide intubation and mechanical ventilation, as needed. To help determine the nature of the patient’s injury, ask him for an account of the precipitating events. If he’s unable to respond, try to find an eyewitness.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Guillain-Barré syndrome:
Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)
Primarily supportive, treatment consists of endotracheal intubation or tracheotomy if the patient has difficulty clearing secretions.
A trial dose of prednisone may be given if the course of the disease is relentlessly progressive. If prednisone produces no noticeable improvement after 7 days, the drug is discontinued. Plasmapheresis is useful during the initial phase but offers no benefit if begun 2 weeks after onset. High doses of immunoglobulins may be administered I.V. to decrease the autoimmune response but must be started as soon as possible to have an effect.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Vocal cord paralysis:
Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)
In unilateral vocal cord paralysis, treatment consists of injection of Teflon into the paralyzed cord, under direct laryngoscopy. This procedure enlarges the cord and brings it closer to the other cord, which usually strengthens the voice and protects the airway from aspiration.
Thyroplasty also serves to medialize the vocal cord, but in this procedure an implant is placed through a neck incision. The ansa cervicalis nerve transfer allows for reinnervation of the vocal cord muscles. Bilateral cord paralysis in an adducted position necessitates tracheotomy.
Alternative treatments for adults include encloscopic arytenoidectomy to open the glottis, and lateral fixation of the arytenoid cartilage through an external neck incision. Excision or fixation of the arytenoid cartilage improves airway patency but produces residual voice impairment. Treatment of hysterical aphonia may include psychotherapy and hypnosis.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Paralysis:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Because a paralyzed patient is particularly susceptible to complications of prolonged immobility, provide frequent position changes, meticulous skin care, and frequent chest physiotherapy. He may benefit from passive range-of-motion exercises to maintain muscle tone, application of splints to prevent contractures, and the use of footboards or other devices to prevent footdrop. If his cranial nerves are affected, the patient will have difficulty chewing and swallowing. Provide a liquid or soft diet, and keep suction equipment on hand in case aspiration occurs. Feeding tubes or total parenteral nutrition may be necessary with severe paralysis. Paralysis and accompanying vision disturbances may make ambulation hazardous; provide a call light and show the patient how to call for help. As appropriate, arrange for physical, speech, or occupational therapy.
Patient teaching
Provide information and referrals to home care and other support services, which may include social services, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, and wound care. Assess the home environment and provide information to the family about safety measures and physical alterations that may be required to allow wheelchair access and maneuverability. Provide teaching on equipment that may be needed and used at home.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Paralysis:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
If paralysis has developed suddenly, suspect trauma or an acute vascular insult. After ensuring that the patient’s spine is properly immobilized, quickly determine his level of consciousness (LOC) and take his vital signs. Elevated systolic blood pressure, widening pulse pressure, and bradycardia may signal increasing intracranial pressure (ICP). If possible, elevate the patient’s head 30 degrees to decrease ICP.
Evaluate respiratory status, and be prepared to administer oxygen, insert an artificial airway, or provide intubation and mechanical ventilation, as needed. To help determine the nature of the patient’s injury, ask him for an account of the precipitating events. If he’s unable to respond, try to find an eyewitness.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Paralysis:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Provide frequent position changes and meticulous skin care to prevent skin breakdown.
▪ Administer frequent chest physiotherapy.
▪ Perform passive range-of-motion exercises to maintain muscle tone.
▪ Apply splints to prevent contractures and footboards or other devices to prevent footdrop.
▪ Provide a thickened liquid or soft diet, and keep suction equipment on hand in case aspiration occurs, if the patient has difficulty chewing or swallowing.
▪ As appropriate, arrange for physical, speech, swallowing, or occupational therapy.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain all diagnostic tests and procedures.
▪ Explain the disorder and treatment plan.
▪ Teach the patient and his family how to prevent complications.
▪ Provide referrals to social and psychological services.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Guillain Barré Syndrome:
Guillain Barré Syndrome - TREATMENT
(The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult)
- Respiratory failure may occur quickly.
- Treat hypertension cautiously; catastrophic refractory hypotension may ensue.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008
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