Vanessa is a 26-year-old patient who has just been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome. She is very worried. She tells you she has heard terrible things about this syndrome. "I don't want to die!" she says. Which of the following would be your best response?

Question

A. "Physical therapy can help keep your muscles strong after paralysis sets in."
B. "With proper medical treatment, this disease is not fatal; you may recover completely."
C. "We can use respirators and heart machines to keep you alive."
D. "You will not die, but you will probably be permanently paralyzed."
E. "There is no cure for Guillain-Barré syndrome."

Answer 1

B. "With proper medical treatment, this disease is not fatal; you may recover completely."
Although there is no cure for Guillain-Barré syndrome, with proper medical support and treatment, it is not fatal. Most people recover completely, although some people report permanent muscle weakness.