Physical and psychological sequelae after Guillain-Barré syndrome

The Guillaln-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an immune-mediated polynwropathy, which typically begins with h e paraesthesias in the tms or fingertips, followed within days by weakness in the legs that makes wahng and climbing stairs difficult. Variable arm, facial, and ompharyngeal weakness follows as paraesthesias extend proximally. Weakness usually ascends from the thighs to the arms in a matter af days, but it may occasionally begin with foot-drop or hand weakness. Pain is common. The physical residua haw been reported extensively, but the patient's view on his own physical situation is largely missing. Furthermore, the studies detailing the physical residua have little to say on the course of the psychosicial status after onset of GBS or on the Iong-term psychosocial sequelae. Most information on the psychosocial course and sequelae is found in personal reports. This thesis studies the psychosocial sequelae at 12 months in a group of 90 patients and at 3 to 6 years in another group of patients. Furthermore, we prospectively studied the impact of GBS on the psychosocial functioning of the closest relative and on family functioning during the first year after the onset of GBS. These studies will contribute to a better documentation and understanding of all aspects of residual sequelae in GBS and will hopefully result in appropriate interventions when necessary