Physiotherapy Management of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in a Tertiary Hospital in South-South Nigeria: A Case Report.

Abstract

Background: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a potentially life-threatening post infectious disease characterized by rapidly progressive, symmetrical weakness of the extremities. It can cause life-threatening complications, particularly if the breathing muscles are affected or if there is dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Case Presentation: This is a case report of Physiotherapy management of a 51-year old female patient with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS). Patient was referred from the neurology unit, department of Internal Medicine, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) to the neurology clinic of the physiotherapy department, UPTH as a case GBS after series of investigations. Appropriate physiotherapy intervention was given for a period of 36 weeks after a thorough assessment of the patient. The Guillain-Barre Syndrome Disability Score was used to assess the overall functional status of the patient while the Oxford Muscle Grading Scale was used to assess for muscle strength. The Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) was used to assess the level of pain in the limbs while the Berge Balance Scale (BBS) was used to assess the patient’s balance. The case report was presented in line with the CARE: Case Report Guideline for case reports. All ethical procedures were followed. Treatment outcome: Treatment outcome revealed that the Guillain-Barré Syndrome Disability Score reduced from 4 to 2 while that of Berg Balance Scale increased from 3 to 42 after 36 weeks of intervention. Pain level on range of motion of the limbs based on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale reduced from 6/10 to 1/10 on the upper limb and from 8/10 to 2/10 on the lower limbs. Conclusion: Physiotherapy is effective in the management of patients with Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Early referral to Physiotherapy is key to pain management, balance control and overall functional status of the patients.