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How Guillain–Barré patients experience their functioning after 1 year
Author(s) -
Bernsen Robert A.J.A.M.,
De Jager Aeiko E.J.,
Van Der Meché Frans G.A.,
Suurmeijer Theo P.B.M.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
acta neurologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.967
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1600-0404
pISSN - 0001-6314
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0404.2005.00429.x
Subject(s) - homecoming , guillain barre syndrome , medicine , sensation , pediatrics , physical therapy , psychology , art , neuroscience , visual arts
Objective – To analyze how the patient himself perceives his physical and social situation 1 year after Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS). Material and method – The Dutch patients who participated in an international multicenter trial were asked to complete a self‐administered questionnaire containing questions on their physical status at homecoming and at 12 months, as well as questions dealing with various aspects of their social condition. Results – Ninety patients participated. Up to 72% had sensory disturbances and loss of power in part of the arms and up to 89% in part of the legs at homecoming. At 12 months, a significant improvement had occurred, but residua were perceived in 36 and 67%, respectively. The residua ranged from irritating to seriously disturbing in up to 49%, and only 33% felt completely cured. Furthermore, 32% had changed their work due to GBS, 30% did not function at home as well as before and 52% had altered their leisure activities. Conclusion – One year after the onset of GBS, a considerable number of patients still perceived a decrease of power and sensation with an often disturbing effect. GBS had an evident impact on daily life and social well‐being.