G
UILLAIN-BARRéSYNDROME(GBS)is an uncommon disorder,but one
whose impact is far out of proportion to its incidence.Despite a
usually good prognosis,GBS is a particularly frightening and often life-
altering experience for those diagnosed with the disorder.Many patients
are acutely aware of the rapid loss of control of their muscular function,
including vital functions such as breathing and swallowing,and fre-
quently feel that they are dying.The experience is almost as unnerving
for the families of affected individuals.During the acute phase of the ill-
ness GBS patients experience the indignity of helplessness in addition to
their fear of death or permanent disability.Prolonged disability is com-
mon and some permanent residual effects are becoming increasingly
recognized.It has been our experience in meeting patients at support
groups,that individuals who have been affected by GBS have a great
desire for a better understanding of the disorder,even years after the
acute experience.
I originally wrote this for a Z80 back in the early 80s. I found the source
code recently in one of the boxes of printouts I ve kept over the years. Good
thing too, since most of the work was on a CPM system using 128k 8inch floppies.
