Recognizing Guillain-Barré Syndrome in the Primary Care Setting

Abstract

Purpose: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is the most common cause of acute flaccid paralysis in adults and children in the United States. The purpose of this article is to educate Primary Care Practitioners (PCP) about GBS and the importance of its recognition in the acute care setting. Method: A review of literature examined epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, and antecedent events related to primary care. Results: Studies show correlations between GBS and preceding viral-bacterial infections, and certain vaccines. However, a direct causation has not been proven. Antecedent events encountered in primary care include, but are not limited to, gastroenteritis, upper respiratory infection, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and vaccinations against influenza, meningitis, and tetanus toxoid.Conclusion: PCPs should be able to recognize GBS and its triggers should a case present to their clinics. It is hoped that GBS mortality and sequela would be decreased if PCPs are more knowledgeable about this condition.