Pathophysiology

Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Modifiable risk factors
Environment (Near
school/highway)
Medications
Occupation
Infection control
measures
Medication
(hepatotoxic)

Non-modifiable risk
factors
Age (67 y/o)
Heredity (family hx of
DM and HPN)

Upper
respiratory
infection
Immune system
produces
antibodies to fight
the invading
pathogen

Physical Assessment
findings
Lab result findings

Unknow
n

it is thought that
a tiny part of the
infecting germ
and tiny parts of
nerves in the
body have
similar
structures

Immune
system attacks
the nerves
(myelin
sheath)
Inflammatio
n/Demyelina
tion
Muscle
weakness
2/5

Parasthesi
as

Impaired
impulse
transmissi
on
Paralysis of
extremities

Ascending
distal
demyelination
Paralysis of
diaphragm

Loss of bladder
and bowel
control

Difficulty of
Breathing

incontinenc
e

Autonomic
Nervous
Sytem
dysfunction
Dysautono
mia
Premature
Ventricular
contractions

Prolonged
immobility of
lower extremities
Muscle
Atrophy