Summary about Disease
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nerves. This leads to muscle weakness, loss of reflexes, and sometimes paralysis. GBS can range from mild weakness lasting a few weeks to a life-threatening paralysis.
Symptoms
Weakness or tingling sensations in the legs and feet that spreads to the upper body.
Difficulty walking.
Severe lower back pain.
Loss of reflexes (areflexia).
Clumsiness and falling.
Blurred or double vision.
Difficulty moving facial muscles, including speaking, chewing, or swallowing.
Difficulty controlling bowel or bladder function.
Rapid heart rate or abnormal blood pressure.
Difficulty breathing (in severe cases).
Causes
The exact cause of GBS is unknown, but it is often triggered by a preceding infection, such as:
Campylobacter jejuni (a common cause of food poisoning).
Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (the cause of mononucleosis).
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (a type of pneumonia).
Influenza.
Zika virus.
Surgery.
Vaccinations (rarely).
Medicine Used
Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIg): Infusion of healthy antibodies to block the damaging antibodies attacking the nerves.
Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis): A procedure to remove the harmful antibodies from the blood.
Pain Medication: To manage pain associated with nerve damage.
Medications for blood clots to prevent blood clots while the patient is immobile
Is Communicable
No, Guillain-Barré Syndrome is not communicable. It is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Since GBS is often triggered by infections, practicing good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, can help reduce the risk of infection.
There are no specific precautions to prevent GBS in general, given its rarity and the lack of a definitive preventative measure.
Prompt treatment of triggering infections may reduce the risk, though this is not definitively proven.
If experiencing symptoms of GBS, seek immediate medical attention.
How long does an outbreak last?
GBS does not have "outbreaks" in the traditional sense of a contagious disease. However, the course of the illness typically unfolds as follows:
Initial Phase: Symptoms worsen over a period of weeks (typically up to 4 weeks).
Plateau Phase: Symptoms stabilize for a period of days or weeks.
Recovery Phase: Gradual improvement over a period of months to years. Most people with GBS recover, though some may have lasting weakness. Recovery time varies greatly; some people recover within months, while others may take years. A small percentage of people experience permanent nerve damage.
How is it diagnosed?
Neurological Examination: To assess muscle strength, reflexes, and nerve function.
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS): Measures the speed of electrical impulses along nerves to detect nerve damage.
Electromyography (EMG): Assesses the electrical activity of muscles to detect nerve or muscle dysfunction.
Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is tested for elevated protein levels, which are characteristic of GBS (without a corresponding increase in white blood cells).
Blood Tests To rule out other conditions that may be causing similar symptoms.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of GBS symptoms can vary, but generally follows this pattern:
Days 1-4: Tingling and weakness often start in the feet and legs.
Days 5-14: Symptoms progress upwards, affecting arms, trunk, and facial muscles. Weakness increases.
Weeks 2-4: Symptoms reach their peak severity. Difficulty breathing may occur.
Plateau Phase: Symptoms stabilize.
Recovery Phase: Gradual improvement of symptoms, which can take months to years.
Important Considerations
GBS is a medical emergency. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.
Respiratory support (such as mechanical ventilation) may be needed if breathing muscles are affected.
Monitoring for complications such as blood clots, cardiac arrhythmias, and infections is important.
Physical therapy and occupational therapy are essential during the recovery phase to regain strength and function.
Psychological support may be helpful for coping with the emotional and physical challenges of GBS.
Recovery can be long and arduous, and patience is essential.