Guillain-Barré syndrome is an autoimmune condition affecting the peripheral nerves of the body, which are the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. The body’s own defense system attacks and damages the nerves. Multiple nerves are usually involved and include both those controlling body movement and sensation. As the nerves become damaged, weakness, paralysis and changes in sensation occur.
Symptoms and characteristics
Symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome vary in onset from a few days to a number of weeks. The condition is often characterised by:
- an onset of weakness or paralysis, usually commencing in the legs or feet and extending upwards, generally affecting both sides of the body, the arms, breathing muscles or facial muscles
- unusual sensations or numbness
- difficulty coordinating movement
- aching of the muscles
- changes to vision such as blurriness
- difficulty breathing if nerves controlling breathing muscles are involved
- dizziness.
Once symptoms stabilise, a person with Guillain-Barré syndrome generally starts the recovery process, which is estimated to take between six months to two years or maybe more. It is estimated that up to 90 per cent of people with Guillain-Barré syndrome recover fully or almost fully, with others maintaining a residual level of impairment or altered sensation. Episodes of fatigue following exertion are reported even following recovery.
If the condition affects the nerves within the autonomic nervous system that control a person's heart rate and breathing, the effects can be life threatening.
Workplace adjustments and solutions
In the workplace there are various factors that would assist people with Guillain-Barré syndrome to manage their condition. These include changes to work tasks and the environment and will vary, depending upon the level of recovery. Some suggestions for workplace modifications include:
- flexible work hours incorporating a graduated return to work, or the capacity to work from home to minimise fatigue and allow for rehabilitation
- rotation of physically demanding tasks
- use of a stool or chair to allow postural rotation and breaks when needed
- use of lifting aids such as trolleys or cranes, where possible, to minimise physical exertion requirements
- ensuring wheelchair or walking aid accessibility to all areas of the workplace, including kitchen and bathroom amenities, workspace and other doorways or emergency exits
- installation of ramps for independent building access
- modifying workstation set-up to accommodate strengths and abilities and overcome barriers.
The Employment Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for work related modifications, equipment and services to help people with disability to get employment and perform their work as independently and productively as possible. To determine eligibility, please refer to the full guidelines:
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Better Health Channel 2011, Guillain-Barre syndrome, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 17 December 2011, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Guillain-Barre_syndrome?open.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome Association of New South Wales (GBA NSW) 2006, What is GBS?, Guillain-Barré Syndrome Association of New South Wales, Epping, viewed 17 December 2011, http://gbsnsw.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2&Itemid=6.
MD Guidelines 1991—2011 , Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 17 December 2011, http://www.mdguidelines.com/.