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.