Physical Therapy Rehabilitation of Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Case Report
Location
Lions Eye Center
Document Type
Poster
Start Date
28-4-2025 12:00 PM
End Date
28-4-2025 1:30 PM
Description
Introduction: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder affecting an estimated 3,000-6,000 individuals in the United States per year. GBS affects the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, sensory deficits, and, in severe cases, paralysis. Medical management of GBS typically includes the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which is well supported in available research. However, there is limited high-quality evidence guiding specific physical therapy (PT) interventions. Purpose: The purpose of this case study is to explore the effects of a multimodal rehabilitation program focused on improving mobility, strength, and independence in a patient recovering from GBS. Methods: The patient was a 68-year-old male who developed progressive lower and upper extremity weakness and was diagnosed with GBS before being admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. During his three-week admission, the patient participated in 45-minute physical therapy sessions twice daily, five days a week. His treatment included high-intensity gait training with the EksoNR robotic exoskeleton, resistance training, and task-specific bed mobility exercises. Results: Over the course of rehab, the patient demonstrated significant improvements with bed mobility and wheelchair propulsion. The patient progressed from requiring maximum assistance with these tasks at the start of rehab, to completing these tasks with minimum to no assistance. However, gait remained significantly impaired due to the severity of muscle weakness. Discussion: This case highlights the potential benefits of high-intensity and task-specific rehabilitation strategies in GBS recovery. The use of gait training and resistance exercises aligns with the limited research that is currently available. Future studies should investigate the comparative effectiveness of different gait training methods, as well as the difference between high and low intensity training.
Recommended Citation
Glahn, Jordan, "Physical Therapy Rehabilitation of Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Case Report" (2025). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 8.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2025/posters/8
Physical Therapy Rehabilitation of Guillain-Barré Syndrome: A Case Report
Lions Eye Center
Introduction: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder affecting an estimated 3,000-6,000 individuals in the United States per year. GBS affects the peripheral nervous system, leading to muscle weakness, sensory deficits, and, in severe cases, paralysis. Medical management of GBS typically includes the use of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which is well supported in available research. However, there is limited high-quality evidence guiding specific physical therapy (PT) interventions. Purpose: The purpose of this case study is to explore the effects of a multimodal rehabilitation program focused on improving mobility, strength, and independence in a patient recovering from GBS. Methods: The patient was a 68-year-old male who developed progressive lower and upper extremity weakness and was diagnosed with GBS before being admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation facility. During his three-week admission, the patient participated in 45-minute physical therapy sessions twice daily, five days a week. His treatment included high-intensity gait training with the EksoNR robotic exoskeleton, resistance training, and task-specific bed mobility exercises. Results: Over the course of rehab, the patient demonstrated significant improvements with bed mobility and wheelchair propulsion. The patient progressed from requiring maximum assistance with these tasks at the start of rehab, to completing these tasks with minimum to no assistance. However, gait remained significantly impaired due to the severity of muscle weakness. Discussion: This case highlights the potential benefits of high-intensity and task-specific rehabilitation strategies in GBS recovery. The use of gait training and resistance exercises aligns with the limited research that is currently available. Future studies should investigate the comparative effectiveness of different gait training methods, as well as the difference between high and low intensity training.