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PORTLAND, Maine

ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ alum, faculty member publish article about Guillain-BarrΓ© Syndrome

Sarah Kou presents her research at the APTA NEXT Conference in National Harbor, Maryland
Sarah Kou presents her research at the APTA NEXT Conference in National Harbor, Maryland

Sarah Kou, P.T., D.P.T. ’15, recently published an article in the Journal of Women’s Health Physical Therapy along with Amy Litterini, P.T., D.P.T., assistant clinical professor in the ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ’s Department of Physical Therapy. The article, titled, β€œPhysical Therapy Management of a Patient With Guillain-BarrΓ© Syndrome During and After Pregnancy: A Case Report,” was developed as a result of D.P.T. coursework at ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ.

Guillain-BarrΓ© Syndrome (GBS), also known as acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, is estimated to affect 1 to 2 people per 100,000 annually. The cause of GBS is still unknown, with suspicions of viral or bacterial infection preceding diagnosis. Initial presentation of GBS usually begins with distal, relatively symmetrical, onset of paresthesia, quickly followed by progressive limb weakness.

Considering the rarity of the condition in the general population, there is very limited literature on Guillain-BarrΓ© Syndrome during pregnancy. This case report presented a unique opportunity to document both the prenatal and the post-partum presentation of a patient experiencing this debilitating neurological phenomenon. 

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The ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.