Guillain-Barré syndrome or GBS is a deadly disease that begins in the hands or feet before extending to other body regions. Although everybody can get Guillain Barre disease, elderly persons are more frequently affected by this. It frequently begins a few days or weeks after an infection, like the flu or a stomach virus.
What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Guillain Barre Syndrome, also called GBS syndrome, is a rare but deadly autoimmune condition characterized by the immune system destroying the healthy nerve cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The immune system primarily targets the nerves in GBS. A nerve can be compared to a wire since it enables you to control your muscles and sense what is going on around you. Your body loses the capacity to control the muscles and sense the surroundings when this wire is destroyed (as in the case of GBS), which can cause symptoms like muscle weakness and numbness or tingling.
What Are the Types of Guillain-Barre Syndrome?
GBS Syndrome can be of three types-
Acute inflammatory demyelination polyradiculoneuropathy or AIDP is the most common form. Muscle weakness that begins in the lower body and progresses upward is the most typical indication of AIDP.
Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy (AMAN), which impacts the axons of the motor and sensory nerves is most typical in various Asian nations.
Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), in which the eyes are first affected by paralysis is more prevalent in Asia. Another symptom of MFS is a shaky gait..
What causes Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Typically, causes of Guillain Barre syndrome include a bacterial or viral infection. Rarely, the proteins that make up viruses or bacteria may resemble the proteins in your body. Your immune system becomes confused as a result and begins to fight against your body. GBS may develop from your immune system attacking your nerves.
What are the symptoms of GBS?
Among the Guillain Barre syndrome symptoms are the following:
- Back ache
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet.
- Muscle tremor (usually starts in the feet and moves upward)
- Breathing problems
- Having trouble swallowing
- Issues with blood pressure or heart rate
While some persons only have moderate symptoms, others could experience intense discomfort:
- Trouble navigating without support
- Lack of movement in the legs, arms, or face (paralysis)
- Double or blurry vision issues
- Speaking issues
- Constipation
- Trouble urinating
How Is Guillain-Barré Syndrome Diagnosed?
Initially, Guillain-Barré syndrome might be challenging to identify. This is due to the symptoms' striking resemblance to other neurological illnesses or disorders that have a negative impact on the nervous system.
Your doctor will inquire about your medical history and specific symptoms. Inform your doctor of any odd symptoms you are experiencing as well as any recent or previous illnesses or infections.
The following list of tests is used to help confirm the Guillain Barre Syndrome –
- CSF Analysis– A lumbar puncture, commonly referred to as a spinal tap, entails drawing a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from your lower back. Protein levels are then checked in the cerebrospinal fluid. Protein concentrations in CSF fluid are frequently greater than average in people with GBS syndrome.
- Electromyography (EMG)- A test of nerve function is called an electromyography (EMG). Your doctor can determine if the source of your muscle weakness is nerve damage or muscle damage by reading electrical activity from your muscles.
- Tests for nerve conduction speed– Your nerves’ and muscles' ability to react to brief electrical pulses can be measured using nerve conduction velocity testing.
How Is GBS Syndrome Treated?
A self-limiting autoimmune inflammatory condition, Guillain-Barré Syndrome will go away on its own. Anyone with this disease should be hospitalised for close monitoring, though. If neglected, the symptoms could swiftly become lethal.
Guillain-Barré disease sufferers can experience full-body paralysis. If the chest muscles or diaphragm are paralysed, limiting appropriate breathing, the condition may be life-threatening.
Lessening the severity of the immune attack and supporting body processes like lung function while your nervous system heals are the objectives of treatment.
Plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) can be used as Guillain Barre Syndrome treatment.
Visit a doctor right away if you experience discomfort, muscle weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arms or legs. Guillain-Barre syndrome can occasionally cause serious symptoms (such as paralysis), breathing problems, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate that, if untreated, can be fatal. Fortunately, most GBS sufferers experience a good recovery with treatment.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
