Guillain-Barre Syndrome: From Diagnosis to Recovery (American Academy of Neurology Press Quality of Life Guides) - Softcover

Parry MB ChB FRACP, Gareth J.; Steinberg MD PhD FICA, Joel S.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1932603565 ISBN 13: 9781932603569

Publisher: Demos Health, 2007

Synopsis

"Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. Feelings of tingling and weakness increase in intensity until the muscles cannot be used at all and the patient is almost totally paralyzed. No one knows why Guillain-Barre strikes some people and not others, or what sets the disease in motion. What we do know is that GBS is now the most common cause of acute paralysis in Western countries since the virtual elimination of poliomyelitis with vaccination programs.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome, co-authored by a survivor of this illness, addresses all aspects of this condition, including initial symptoms, diagnostic evaluation and criteria, general and illness specific treatments, and typical outcomes. Fortunately, most GBS patients have a good recovery, but the pathway to this goal can be slow and scary. This book covers a wide range of issues including:

• Features unique to GBS such as pain without injury and other abnormal sensations
• Workplace adjustment with incomplete recovery
• Intensive care unit management
• Practical caregivers guidelines
• The rehabilitation process
• Sexual dysfunction, and much more

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a comprehensive book, written in lay terms, covering everything from diagnosis to emotional issues. It is a book that stands alone.

This latest volume in the American Academy of Neurology Press Quality of Life Guide series is an essential tool for all individuals, families, and caregivers coping with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. "

About this title

About the Author:

Gareth J. Parry, MB, ChB, FRACP was born in New Zealand and obtained his medical degrees at the Otago University Medical School in Dunedin, New Zealand. He did his neurology residency at the University of Pennsylvania at the time of the GBS epidemic that followed the swine influenza vaccination program in 1976. That experience instilled in him an interest in GBS and related diseases that has stayed with him for his entire career. He currently lives in Minneapolis where he is a Professor of Neurology at the University of Minnesota.

Joel S. Steinberg, MD, PhD, FICA is Medical Director, Circulation Care and Vein Centers at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia and an officer of GBS/CIDP Foundation International in Narberth, Pennsylvania. As he was recovering from GBS, in 1982, he joined several patients and loved ones to form the Guillain-Barre Syndrome Foundation International. Dr. Steinberg has lectured and written extensively on various circulation and GBS issues, in the United States, Europe and India.

Review:

"There is a pressing need for an authoritative and clearly written book such as this... The combined perspective of a neurologist and a physician with a personal history of Guillain-Barre have very eloquently given voice to the issues of most interests to patients and their families... It is certainly a reference to which I shall refer patients and their families."--Doody's Reviews

"From rehabilitation to acute care and coming home again, Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a must for any serious health library."--Midwest Book Review

"Brings together the new scientific evidence on GBS, as well as offering a wealth of practical advice. The book provides a good overview of diagnosis, causation and treatment, including rehabilitation, caregiver guidelines and workplace adjustment... It provides solid information and focuses on the positive steps for someone with GBS to work towards a complete recovery." --CAPHIS Consumer Health Connections (CAPHIS Consumer Health Connections 20100503)

About this edition

• Publisher: Demos Health
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1932603565
• ISBN 13: 9781932603569
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 264