How Guillain-Barre patients experience their functioning after 1 year.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze how the patient himself perceives his physical and social situation 1 year after Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS).

MATERIAL AND METHOD: The Dutch patients who participated in an international multicenter trial were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire containing questions on their physical status at homecoming and at 12 months, as well as questions dealing with various aspects of their social condition.

RESULTS: Ninety patients participated. Up to 72% had sensory disturbances and loss of power in part of the arms and up to 89% in part of the legs at homecoming. At 12 months, a significant improvement had occurred, but residua were perceived in 36 and 67%, respectively. The residua ranged from irritating to seriously disturbing in up to 49%, and only 33% felt completely cured. Furthermore, 32% had changed their work due to GBS, 30% did not function at home as well as before and 52% had altered their leisure activities.

CONCLUSION: One year after the onset of GBS, a considerable number of patients still perceived a decrease of power and sensation with an often disturbing effect. GBS had an evident impact on daily life and social well-being.