Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Healthcare providers typically diagnose Guillain-Barré syndrome based on your symptoms and medical history. They’ll ask how and when your symptoms started and if you’ve been sick recently. They’ll also do physical and neurological exams to look for signs of muscle weakness and weak or absent deep-tendon reflexes (hyporeflexia or areflexia).

However, many other neurological conditions share the same symptoms as GBS. So, your provider will likely do other tests to rule out other possible conditions. These tests may include:

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction tests: These tests evaluate the health and function of your skeletal muscles and the nerves that control them.
Spinal tap (lumbar puncture): For this procedure, your healthcare provider inserts a needle into your lower back to get a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). They send the sample to a lab where a pathologist examines the substances in it. In about 80% of GBS cases, there’s a normal amount of white blood cells and an elevated CSF protein level. Other abnormalities in CSF may point to other conditions.
Imaging test: Your provider may recommend an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of your spine.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

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