Frequency, Type and Severity of Fine Motor Impairments in Patients with Guillian Barre Syndrome

JRCRS-2016; 4(1): 35-38

Abstract

Background: Guillian Barre Syndrome (GBS) is an acute inflammatory demyelinating
polyneuropathy that is characterized by progressive symmetric ascending muscle weakness,
hyporeflexia with or without sensory or autonomic symptoms and paralysis; however, variants
involving the cranial nerves or pure motor involvement are not uncommon. The main characteristic
features of GBS is muscles weakness or paralysis.

Objective: To evaluate the frequency, type and severity of fine motor impairments in patients with
Guillian Barre Syndrome.

Methodology: A cross sectional survey was conducted through questionnaire and manual ability
assessment tool to find out the frequency, type and severity of fine motor impairments in patients with
GBS.The data was collected from Occupational Therapy Department of Pakistan Society of
Rehabilitation for Disabled (PSRD), Neuro ward of Lahore General Hospital, Jinnah Hospital and
Children Hospital Lahore from July 2012 to December 2012.50 patients of 5-50 years old were
selected 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 motor
impairments. Among these impairments 28(56%) Grasping, 27(54%) Release, 41(82%) Pinching
and 23(46%) Reach. Autonomic system was involved in 30 out of 50 patients while 34 patients also
presented with signs of cranial nerve involvement.

Conclusion: It is concluded that the patients with Guillain Barre Syndrome mostly have fine motor
impairments that affect activities of daily living (ADL's).

Key Words: Guillain Barre Syndrome, Occupational Therapy, Fine Motor Impairments, Manual
Ability Assessment, Activity of Daily Livings