Guillain-Barre Syndrome - (American Academy of Neurology Press Quality of Life Guides) by Gareth J Parry & Joel S Steinberg (Paperback)

About the Book

Guillain-Barre Syndrome causes the body's immune system to attack the peripheral nervous system, producing feelings of tingling and weakness that increase in intensity until the patient is almost totally paralyzed. Claiming thousands of new victims each year, GBS can strike anyone at any age, regardless of gender or ethnicity. Fortunately, most patients have a good recovery, but the pathway to this goal can be slow and frightening. Written by two experts in the field -- one a GBS survivor himself -- "Guillain-Barre Syndrome" addresses all aspects of the condition, including initial symptoms, diagnostic evaluation and criteria, general and illness-specific treatments, and typical outcomes. The book covers a wide range of issues, including pain without injury and other abnormal sensations unique to GBS; the rehabilitation process; workplace adjustment with incomplete recovery; sexual dysfunction; guidelines for caregivers; and much more. Written in laymen's terms, this practical, reassuring book helps patients manage this puzzling illness.

Book Synopsis

"Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. Feelings of tingling and weakness increase in intensity until the muscles cannot be used at all and the patient is almost totally paralyzed. No one knows why Guillain-Barre strikes some people and not others, or what sets the disease in motion. What we do know is that GBS is now the most common cause of acute paralysis in Western countries since the virtual elimination of poliomyelitis with vaccination programs.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome, co-authored by a survivor of this illness, addresses all aspects of this condition, including initial symptoms, diagnostic evaluation and criteria, general and illness specific treatments, and typical outcomes. Fortunately, most GBS patients have a good recovery, but the pathway to this goal can be slow and scary. This book covers a wide range of issues including:

• Features unique to GBS such as pain without injury and other abnormal sensations
• Workplace adjustment with incomplete recovery
• Intensive care unit management
• Practical caregivers guidelines
• The rehabilitation process
• Sexual dysfunction, and much more

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a comprehensive book, written in lay terms, covering everything from diagnosis to emotional issues. It is a book that stands alone.

This latest volume in the American Academy of Neurology Press Quality of Life Guide series is an essential tool for all individuals, families, and caregivers coping with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. "