DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Guillian Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory demyelinatingpolyneuropathy that is characterized by progressive symmetric ascending muscle weakness,hyporeflexia with or without sensory or autonomic symptoms and paralysis; however, variantsinvolving the cranial nerves or pure motor involvement are not uncommon. The main characteristicfeatures of GBS is muscles weakness or paralysis.
Objective: To evaluate the frequency, type and severity of fine motor impairments in patients withGuillian Barre Syndrome.
Methodology: A cross sectional survey was conducted through questionnaire and manual abilityassessment tool to find out the frequency, type and severity of fine motor impairments in patients withGBS.The data was collected from Occupational Therapy Department of Pakistan Society ofRehabilitation for Disabled (PSRD), Neuro ward of Lahore General Hospital, Jinnah Hospital andChildren Hospital Lahore from July 2012 to December 2012.50 patients of 5-50 years old wereselected through purposive sample technique. Patients of GBS with other diseases were excluded.The data was analysis with SPSS version 17.
Results: According to the present study 5 (10%) patients were positive for gross motor impairments,27 (54%) patients for fine motor impairments and 18 (36%) patients for both fine and gross motorimpairments. Among these impairments 28(56%) Grasping, 27(54%) Release, 41(82%) Pinchingand 23(46%) Reach. Autonomic system was involved in 30 out of 50 patients while 34 patients alsopresented with signs of cranial nerve involvement.
Conclusion: It is concluded that the patients with Guillain Barre Syndrome mostly have fine motorimpairments that affect activities of daily living (ADL's).
Key Words: Guillain Barre Syndrome, Occupational Therapy, Fine Motor Impairments, ManualAbility Assessment, Activity of Daily Livings