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Essay / GBS Recovery - 1110
The most important part of the healing process is the mental state of the patient. It is imperative that the patient remains calm above all. Reassure the patient that the majority of patients with GBS recover. Even patients with the mildest forms of GBS are hospitalized in intensive care units. This is a stand procedure and is done as a precaution. Irregular heartbeats, irregular blood pressure and heart rhythm interruptions are carefully monitored and measured. If no signs of interruption are detected, the patient can be discharged. Continuing treatment requires the patient to return to an outpatient setting. During the second week, when patients are not able to walk, it is still unclear whether immunotherapy is necessary. However, residual signs may be a factor. Patients with mild forms of the disease are under close monitoring for at least eight days to ensure the disease has not spread. As soon as the diagnosis is verified, the treatment process begins with the aim of reducing symptoms, providing immunotherapy and attempting to shorten the disease. Efforts should also be made to reduce some of the pain and increase comfort. The use of comfortable beds, air or water mattresses, a support that keeps the sheets elevated above a particularly painful area of the body, massage, hot or cold baths, acupuncture and Physiotherapy can all help to relieve the pain or discomfort felt by the patient. All of the patient's joints should be exercised several times a day to avoid joint pain and muscle deterioration. Exercise has optimal benefits as a treatment, keeping muscles strong and flexible and shortening the period of physical therapy required during recovery. Most patients cannot communicate if they are in the middle of a paper......and may require the services of a speech therapist. Recovery can be a long and tedious process, differing from patient to patient, but the recovery rate is high. There are also many treatment options tailored to each patient. Death can occur in up to 5% of cases, usually due to cardiovascular or respiratory complications. Of the remainder, 70% achieve an excellent recovery without permanent damage, even after a severe attack of GBS. 20% are disabled and about 10% are severely disabled. 10-20% of patients are still somewhat weak 3 years later, while 5-10% have permanent serious motor problems and may require a wheelchair for mobility. Works Cited Marcussen, Sharon. “All about Guillain-Barré: the symptoms of the syndrome, their intensity and the way patients experience them.” Planet Marcussen: Globaltrotters and Global Nomads Unlimited! Internet. September 25. 2011.