Neuro Note - Guillain Barre

For my third Neuro Note, I decided to pick a topic I wasn't as familiar with. I decided to go with Guillain Barre Syndrome. I started by researching a little background information. This is defined as a neurological disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. It can range from extremely mild to severe. It can affect anyone, but typically affects adults and older people. It is estimated to affect about 1 in 100,000 each year. 

I picked the video titled "Andrew's Story: Guillain-Barre Syndrome" by Andrew J Franek. Andrew was a 160 pound weightlifting, hunting, man's man. He was also training to be an Firefigher. He was shown in lots of photos with family, friends, and his girlfriend. Soon after starting his job, he become sick with a high fever, severe weakness, and a rash. He was diagnosed intially with strep throat. He was given a shot and antibiobitocs which initially made the rash go away. Andrew thought he was getting better, but soon started getting some of the first symptoms of GBS, which was numbness in his feet. He didn't think much of this. He continued to be active and soak in a tub and see a chiropractor. Two days later he could no longer walk. He was admitted into the hospital and had a spinal tap to confirm his diagnosis. He multiple different treatment options and ultimately had to get a central line to his heart. After about two weeks, he was sent home because the doctors believed he was starting to show promises (even though he still had paralysis from the waist down). No improvement occurred, so Andrew decided to go back to the hospital. Andrew eventually started on a liquid diet to help his swallowing issues. His breathing and swallowing issues continued to get worse. He aspirated one night and was placed on a BPAP machine. He made the decision to be intubated and put on life supportive measures. While being intubated, Andrew went into cardiac arrest. Multiple rounds of CPR and shocks were administered to him. The saddest part of his story to me, is that he was fully aware of his surroundings and what the doctors, therapists, and nurses were doing with him, but he was not able to communicate with them. His paralysis at this point had spread up to his neck. After no signs of improvement and being intubated for 10 days, he decided to have a tracheostomy and peg tube placed in his body to assist him. Another sad issue, was that his doctor at this moment was not a strong advocate for what Andrew wanted at all. He was given a terrible diagnosis, but soon was taken off the ventilator to be transferred to another hospital (despite this doctor's awful news). Andrew began to be able to participate in therapy sessions. Andrew was advised to eat up to 3,000 calories in food to gain weight. Andrew was finally transferred to his dream place, The Shepherd Center. Andrew saw so much progress here. He started to gain muscles, walk, ride horses, do yoga, and even do stairs. Andrew left the Shepherd Center a whole new person. 

This video was extremely uplifting. Andrew and his family fought for what was best for him. I loved how they always encouraged him and made sure he got the best care that hospital could offer him. This is one of those situations that someone could give up in so easily. It was amazing to see his perseverance and strength. 

I am so excited to learn more about this topic in future lectures. Based on future research being done, scientists are trying their hardest to learn how to prevent this disease and its effects on the body. 

I included an additional fact sheet about this diagnosis in my reference list if anyone wants to learn more. 

Reference List:

Guillain-Barre Syndrome Face Sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/patient-caregiver-education/fact-sheets/guillain-barré-syndrome-fact-sheet

 

Franek, A. (2017). Andrew's Story: Guillain-Barre Syndrome. YouTube [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWvrHhs2jps