BMC Neurol. 2026 Feb 2. doi: 10.1186/s12883-026-04672-4. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Guillian barre syndrome is an autoimmune disease that affects the peripheral nervous system. It is acute disorder, characterized by rapidly progressing muscle weakness and ascending paralysis, and preceding infection is often one of its causes.
CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old male reported with muscle soreness, sensation of tingling and weakness in both upper and lower limbs. Investigations were done after admission and found that nerve conduction study indicated of acute sensory motor demyelination polyneuropathy. He struggled with his fine motor abilities and walking, making it difficult for him to complete his activities of daily living.
INTERVENTION: A complete interdisciplinary rehabilitation program was started to reduce the patient's symptoms and enhance functional outcomes. The rehabilitation approach consisted of progressive resistance exercises (PRE) targeting the upper and lower extremities, aimed at improving muscle strength and function. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique was used to improve motor function and coordination, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) was utilized to help the patient control his pain and discomfort, stretching exercises were also added to improve flexibility. Fine motor activities, augmented reality-based rehabilitation for hand were also included in order to increase ability and control of smaller muscle groups, which are necessary for day-to-day tasks such as dressing and eating. Outcome assessed were Numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), Functional independence measure (FIM), Upper extremity functional scale, and modified Erasmus GBS outcome scale (MEGOS), Hughes functional grading scale (HFGS), Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE).
CONCLUSION: Early incorporation of physiotherapy in patients with Guillain barre syndrome can speed up recovery, reduce number of hospitalization days and improves overall quality of life.
PMID:41629798 | DOI:10.1186/s12883-026-04672-4