Summary about Disease
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks its own nerves. This can lead to muscle weakness, paralysis, and potentially life-threatening complications. GBS typically starts with tingling and weakness in the feet and legs that spreads to the upper body and arms.
Symptoms
Tingling or weakness in your fingers, toes, ankles or wrists
Weakness in your legs that spreads to your upper body
Unsteady walking or inability to walk
Difficulty with eye movements, facial movements, speaking, chewing or swallowing
Severe pain that may feel achy or cramplike and may be worse at night
Difficulty with bowel or bladder control
Rapid heart rate or high or low blood pressure
Difficulty breathing
Paralysis
Causes
The exact cause of GBS is unknown. It is often triggered by a bacterial or viral infection. Common preceding infections include:
Campylobacter jejuni (often causing diarrhea)
Influenza virus
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
Zika virus
Mycoplasma pneumoniae In rare cases, surgery or vaccinations have been associated with GBS.
Medicine Used
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg): This involves administering high doses of antibodies derived from healthy donors to help block the damaging antibodies attacking the nerves.
Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis): This procedure removes plasma (the liquid part of the blood) containing the harmful antibodies and replaces it with antibody-free plasma or a plasma substitute.
Pain Medication: Pain relievers, such as opioids or non-opioid analgesics, may be prescribed to manage pain.
Medications to Prevent Blood Clots: Blood thinners may be used to prevent blood clots, which can be a complication of immobility.
Is Communicable
No, Guillain-Barré Syndrome is not communicable or contagious. It is not spread from person to person.
Precautions
Prompt medical attention: Seek immediate medical care if you experience symptoms of GBS, such as tingling, weakness, or difficulty breathing.
Monitoring: Regular monitoring of vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, breathing) is essential, especially if respiratory muscles are affected.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy is essential to help strengthen muscles, improve mobility, and prevent contractures.
Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy helps patients regain skills needed for daily living.
Speech Therapy: If speech or swallowing is affected, speech therapy can help improve communication and swallowing function.
Prevent Blood Clots: Due to the risk of immobility, blood clot prevention strategies (like medications and compression devices) are often implemented.
How long does an outbreak last?
GBS is not an "outbreak" in the sense of a communicable disease. The acute phase of GBS (when symptoms worsen) typically lasts for a few weeks (up to 4 weeks). After this point, the symptoms plateau and then gradually improve. Recovery can take months or even years. Some individuals may experience residual weakness or other long-term effects.
How is it diagnosed?
Physical Examination and Neurological Evaluation: Assessment of muscle strength, reflexes, sensory function, and cranial nerve function.
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): These tests measure the speed and strength of electrical signals transmitted through nerves. GBS often slows nerve conduction velocity.
Electromyography (EMG): This test assesses the electrical activity of muscles and can help identify nerve damage.
Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) often reveals elevated protein levels without an increased number of white blood cells, a characteristic finding in GBS.
Timeline of Symptoms
The typical timeline of GBS symptoms is:
Initial Phase (Days to Weeks): Tingling, numbness, and weakness begin in the feet and legs and gradually ascend to the upper body and arms.
Progression Phase (Up to 4 Weeks): Symptoms worsen, and the individual may experience paralysis, difficulty breathing, and autonomic dysfunction.
Plateau Phase (Variable Duration): Symptoms stabilize, and there is no further worsening.
Recovery Phase (Months to Years): Symptoms gradually improve, and muscle strength returns. The rate and extent of recovery vary among individuals.
Important Considerations
Respiratory Support: Monitoring for respiratory failure is critical, and some patients may require mechanical ventilation.
Autonomic Dysfunction: GBS can affect the autonomic nervous system, leading to blood pressure fluctuations, heart rhythm abnormalities, and bowel/bladder dysfunction.
Pain Management: Pain can be a significant issue in GBS and needs to be addressed with appropriate pain management strategies.
Rehabilitation: Intensive rehabilitation is crucial to maximize recovery and prevent long-term disability.
Emotional Support: GBS can be a frightening and debilitating illness, and emotional support is essential for patients and their families.
Relapses: While rare, relapses of GBS can occur. It is important to be aware of this possibility and seek prompt medical attention if symptoms recur.