General aspects of rehabilitation in Guillain-Barre syndrome: A literature review.

Abstract

Introduction: Guillain-Barré syndrome is the most common cause of acquired flaccid paralysis worldwide. Although care traditionally focuses on overcoming the acute phase, many patients continue to experience residual symptoms such as weakness, neuropathic pain, autonomic dysfunction, and fatigue. These sequelae can result in significant disability and adversely affect long-term functionality and quality of life, underscoring the importance of an early, coordinated, and multidisciplinary treatment approach.

Methods: A non-systematic narrative review of the literature on functional recovery in adults with Guillain-Barré syndrome was conducted. The review included narrative and systematic review articles, original research studies, clinical practice guidelines, and expert consensus statements. The search strategy prioritized rehabilitation protocols, prognostic predictors, and interventions targeting motor, sensory, autonomic, and psychosocial domains. Articles were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, and PEDro databases, with preference given to publications from 2015 to 2025, in both English and Spanish.

Results: Evidence supports the implementation of a structured rehabilitation program tailored to the patient's clinical stage, prognostic factors, and functional goals. Interventions include motor re-education, respiratory muscle training, orthotic prescription, neuropathic pain management, and symptomatic treatment of fatigue and autonomic disturbances, all while considering the individual's personal and social context. Prognostic tools such as the Modified Erasmus Guillain-Barré Syndrome Outcome Score and the Medical Research Council sum score are useful for designing the rehabilitation plan.

Conclusion: The long-term sequelae of Guillain-Barré syndrome highlight the need for a comprehensive rehabilitation approach that encompasses physical, cognitive, and psychosocial domains. Early multidisciplinary interventions and continuity of care should be the therapeutic focus. Some rehabilitation interventions still require more evidence for their implementation in practice.