Description An acute inflammato...
Description
An acute inflammatory condition of the nervous system that damages the lining of nerves (called the myelin sheath). The nerves of the body are essential and help control muscle contraction. In this disorder the nerves no longer normally transmit the impulses from the brain to the muscles causing weakness and paralysis of the muscles. Patients experience muscle weakness that begins in the legs and moves upward. The paralysis can prevent breathing and result in death. The exact cause of this disorder is not known but it is frequently associated with a viral infection such as a cold or flu.
Symptoms
Weakness that begins in lower extremities and moves upward with time, shortness of breath, paralysis, respiratory failure, death.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests include: a spinal tap, tests of nerve and lung function and additional blood and imaging tests to rule-out other causes.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Lipase, Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Clotting studies, cerebrospinal fluid analysis
Specialists:
Neurology, Pediatric Neurology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests include: a spinal tap, tests of nerve and lung function and additional blood and imaging tests to rule-out other causes.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Lipase, Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Clotting studies, cerebrospinal fluid analysis
Specialists:
Neurology, Pediatric Neurology
Treatment
There is no cure for this disease. Therapy depends on the severity of the symptoms. Treatment includes: supportive care including mechanical ventilation, ICU admission, intravenous immunoglobulin, and/or plasmapheresis (or plasma exchange).