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Factors That May Contribute to Poorer Outcome with Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Jennifaye V. Brown, PhD, PT, NCS

January 25, 2017

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Question

What factors may contribute to a poorer outcome in people with Guillain-Barre Syndrome?  

Answer

According to research, the following factors may contribute to a poorer outcome:

  • If the patient is older at age of onset
  • If the patient requires respiratory support and further dependence for breathing
  • If the patient experiences abnormal peripheral nerve function
  • If the patient was not given plasma or IV immunoglobin therapy; no plasmapheresis
  • If the patient has a variant of GBS with primary axonal degeneration; regeneration of the axon and myelin sheath takes twice as much work
  • If there is a progression to quadriplegia
  • If the disease was severe at presentation
  • If one of the causing factors was the Campylobacter jejuni infection in the small intestines (causes diarrhea)

 


jennifaye v brown

Jennifaye V. Brown, PhD, PT, NCS

Jennifaye V. Brown, PT, PhD, NCS has a BA-Psychology (Emory University), a MS- Physical Therapy (University of Miami-FL) and a PhD-Exercise Science (University of South Carolina).  Dr. Brown has 27 years of clinical experience focused in neurorehabilitation across the continuum of care and has presented numerous continuing education courses on adult neurologic assessment and treatment intervention for acquired brain injury.  Dr. Brown’s special interests and extensive clinical background include gait analysis and training.  Her approach to effective gait analysis and treatment is to know the lesion site, understand neuroanatomical functions and along with past medical history, environmental, psychosocial and cultural factors, determine prognosis and devise realistic goals reflective of the client and caregiver’s lived experiences.  She is the creative force behind the Stroke Gait Center, which is a collaborative effort to partner with healthcare professionals to fabricate AFOs (specializing in accommodating ladies’ footwear) utilizing 3D printing based on a full spectrum gait-related physical therapy evaluation. Her current research agenda explores the perceptions and opinions of individuals with stroke regarding their experiences with AFO fabrication, modification and maintenance. As an Advanced Credentialed Clinical Instructor by the Clinical Instructor Education Board and a three 10-year term board certified neurologic clinical specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties (ABPTS) of the APTA, Dr. Brown has taught at PT and PTA programs in Georgia and South Carolina (SC). She is a member of the APTA, Neurology Section of the APTA, SC Chapter of the APTA, American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, Aerobics & Fitness Association of America, and the Neuro-Developmental Treatment Association.  Dr. Brown is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor at Ohio University in the Physical Therapy Program.


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