Guillain-Barré syndrome Rehabilitation and Recovery


Guillain-Barré syndrome Treatment Program

Shepherd Center offers a Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) treatment program that is uniquely equipped to handle even the most severe cases of GBS. Unlike other Guillain-Barré rehabilitation settings, Shepherd Center can take patients sooner – even while they are still on a ventilator. The goal is to get Guillain-Barré patients moving toward recovery at the earliest opportunity. Our doctors can also rapidly respond when a patient declines by providing repeat immunomodulatory treatments. This means patients receive timely acute medical management without disrupting important strides made in therapy. Up to 5% of patients will relapse, usually within the first two months.

To aid in recovery, Guillain-Barré patients have access to a full team of rehabilitation and medical professionals including pulmonologists, physiatrists, physical, occupational and speech therapists, pain specialists and psychologists.

Call our Admissions Department at 404-350-7345 to initiate a referral to Shepherd Center.

Learning About Brain Injury

Patients with GBS greatly benefit from Shepherd Center’s comprehensive, specialized rehabilitation services, including:

  • medical services for relapses and secondary complications
  • advanced technologies and activity-based interventions, including locomotor training and neurostimulators to help patients gradually rebuild neuromuscular control
  • training with adaptive devices, such as a wheelchair or braces; if needed, patients will be given a portable ventilator that can attach to an electric wheelchair
  • speech therapy for patients who have trouble swallowing or talking
  • specialized pain center with clinicians specifically trained in pain intervention and rehabilitation
  • psychological counseling for coping skills and to manage depression or anxiety
  • recreational therapy and vocational counseling to help ease the transition back to home and school or work

Our Goals for Each Guillain-Barré syndrome Rehabilitation Patient

Our GBS recovery program provides you with:

  • intensive, individualized rehabilitation to maximize your function and independence
  • extensive education for you and your family
  • improved quality of life