Guillain-Barré Case Study: Marie

Abstract

This case study illustrates a fictional narrative of a 53-year old female patient who develops Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) relating to her diagnosis of COVID-19. The case study documents from the patient’s initial admission into acute care until discharge after she achieves her short term goals and regains independence in activities of daily living. Emphasis is placed on the patient’s time spent in in-patient rehabilitation, where details of initial assessment and goal setting, intervention plan, discharge plan, and the outcome are discussed. As the patient presents with progressive bilateral upper and lower limb weakness, in addition to impaired motor skills, the interventions focus on return to functional activities, achieved through strength and functional training, aerobic training, and pain management. The purpose of this case study is to showcase a typical case presentation of GBS, as well as possible approaches to assessment, outcome planning, and treatment/intervention in an in-patient rehabilitation setting.