Discharge Instructions for Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Discharge Instructions for Guillain-Barré Syndrome
You have been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a condition that affects the nervous system. In people with GBS, the immune system attacks the nerves, often following an infection. But it can also arise out of the blue. This attack can cause weakness or even paralysis. GBS is a temporary illness. Many people return to normal and have no further problems. Others may have some permanent nerve damage. Here’s what you can do to help yourself recover.
Activity
Do's and don'ts:
Stay active, but don’t overdo it. Get advice from healthcare professionals, such as your therapists, on what your activity should be.
Be patient. Recovery from nerve damage is a slow process, and each person’s recovery is unique. You may recover in as little as 3 weeks, or it could take as long as 3 years.
Be careful. If you still have numbness and weakness, limit activities in which you could fall or hurt yourself.
Set priorities. Decide which tasks you need to do on a given day. Save the others for another time.
Talk to your healthcare provider about physical therapy and occupational therapy. Physical therapy and occupational therapy can help you get your strength back.
Don’t drive until your healthcare provider says it’s OK.
Getting support
Work closely with your healthcare provider and rehabilitation team to ensure the best possible recovery.
Seek support when you need it; then accept it. This isn’t a sign of weakness.
You may find it helpful to talk to a counselor or therapist in addition to your primary care healthcare provider.
Get out of the house. Ask a friend to visit or to take you on short errands.
Follow-up
Make a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider, or as advised.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following:
Increasing numbness or tingling in your legs, hands, or feet
Increasing weakness
Dizziness
Loss of movement or feeling in your legs, hands, arms, or feet
New neurologic symptoms, such as double vision, slurred speech, or trouble swallowing
Shortness of breath
New bladder or bowel symptoms
Fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher, or chills
Updated:  
May 01, 2018
Sources:  
Guillain-Barre Syndrome in adults: Treatment and prognosis, Up To Date
Reviewed By:  
Fetterman, Anne, RN, BSN,Shelat, Amit, MD