Guillain syndrome

Definition

What is GBS (Guillain-Barre Syndrome)?

Guillain-Barre syndrome or commonly known as GBS disease is a rare condition caused by the immune system attacking the nervous system. This condition may make the nerves inflamed resulting in paralysis or muscle weakness if not treated promptly.

GBS disease (Guillain-Barre syndrome) is a medical emergency. Most people with this condition need to be hospitalized to receive special care.

How common is GBS?

GBS disease (Guillain-Barre syndrome) is relatively common and can be resolved by reducing risk factors. There is no known drug to treat this Guillain-Barre Syndrome, but several treatments can relieve symptoms and reduce the duration of the disease.

Most people recover from Guillain-Barre syndrome, although some experience lingering effects, such as lethargy, numbness, or weakness. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Types

What are the types of GBS disease?

Guillain-Barre syndrome is of many types. Here are the most common types of GBS:

Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP)

Usually, weakness starts in the lower part of the body and gradually rises to other parts of the body. This condition causes damage to the myelin (sheath of nerve cells).

Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS)

GBS disease (Guillain-Barre syndrome) is more common in Asia than in the United States. The paralysis begins with the eye and problems with walking are common. This condition affects the cranial nerves (nerves that stick out from the brain).

Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome?

Symptoms of GBS can appear very quickly, including weakening of a person's body, itching to the arms or upper body. Other symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome are:

• Loss of reflex hands and feet
• Itching or weakness in the hands and feet
• Muscle ache
• Cannot move freely
• Low blood pressure
• Abnormal heart rate
• Blurry or crossed vision (seeing 2 pictures of 1 object)
• Heavy breathing
• Difficulty swallowing

There may be other symptoms not listed above. If you have any questions about this sign, consult your doctor.

Most people recover fully from Guillain-Barre syndrome, although some continue to experience weakness.

When to go to the doctor

You need to call your doctor if you have itching in your hands or feet and it seems to have spread to other places. In addition, you need to tell your doctor if you have other symptoms such as muscle weakness or heavy breathing.

This syndrome must be treated immediately in the hospital because the symptoms will develop seriously in a very short time. Every body acts differently from one another. Always discuss with your doctor to find the best solution for your condition.

Cause

What causes GBS?

The cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is unknown. This disease often appears days (or weeks) after a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. Sometimes, surgery or injections can cause this syndrome.

Quoted from WHO, Zika virus infection caused an increase in Guillain-Barre cases in affected countries. That is why, the Zika virus is considered a trigger for GBS.

Risk factors

What increases the risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome?

There are many risk factors that can cause the appearance of Guillai-Barre syndrome (GBS), for example:

• Age: elderly people are more at risk of developing this disease
• Gender: men are more at risk than women
• Respiratory or other digestive infections, such as: flu, indigestion, and pneumonia
• HIV / AIDS infection
• Mononuclear infection
• Lupus erythematosus
• Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Post surgery or injection

Having no risk factors does not mean you can't get this disease. These risk factors are for reference only. You need to ask your doctor for more information.

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult a doctor or pharmacist.

What are the treatment options for Guillain-Barre syndrome?

GBS disease is an autoimmune inflammatory process that will heal itself. However, anyone with this condition should be treated for close monitoring. The symptoms of this disease can quickly get worse and can be fatal.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, there is no cure for GBS. However, certain types of Guillain-Barre syndrome treatments can be used to prevent complications, reduce symptoms and promote healing.

In the early stages of the disease, doctors use therapy to separate antibodies from plasma, and prescribe high doses of immunoglobulins.

• Plasmapheresis. In therapy that separates antibodies from plasma, red blood cells and white blood cells are separated from the plasma. After that, the blood cells without plasma will return to the body.
• Immunoglobulin therapy. In high doses of immunoglobulin, the doctor injects immunoglobulin protein (a substance that is useful for attacking foreign objects) into the blood vessels.

In addition, some of the treatments for GBS (Guillain-Barre syndrome) that you can use include:

• Blood thinners
• Using a breathing apparatus
• Pain relievers
• Physiotherapy

People with GBS need help and physical therapy before and after recovery. These therapies can include:

• Move your arms and legs by pre-recovery therapy, to help with flexibility and muscle strength.
• Physical therapy during recovery to help you deal with fatigue and regain strength.
• Training with devices, such as wheelchairs or braces, to help you move.

Recovery from Guillain-Barre syndrome

Although some people can take months to years recovering, most people with GBS experience these stages:

• After the first signs and symptoms, the condition tends to get worse for two weeks
• Symptoms peak within four weeks
• Recovery begins, usually lasting six to 12 months. However, some people can take as long as three years.

What are the commonly used tests for this condition?

Doctors diagnose based on medical history and clinical examination. GBS disease is classified as difficult to diagnose at an early stage. This is because the signs and symptoms are similar to those of other neurological conditions.

Your doctor may start by looking at your medical history and physical exam. Then, your doctor may recommend:

• Lumbar puncture. A small amount of fluid is drained from the spinal canal in your lower back. This fluid is tested for the types of changes that commonly occur in people with GBS.
• Electromyography. A thin needle electrode is inserted into the muscle that the doctor wants to examine. Electrodes measure nerve activity in muscles.
• Nerve conduction studies. Electrodes are attached to the skin over your nerves. Small shocks are passed through the nerves to measure the speed of nerve signals.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help treat Guillain-Barre syndrome?

The following lifestyle and home remedies might help treat Guillain-Barre syndrome:

• Follow the doctor's instructions, do not use drugs without a prescription or stop without the doctor's permission
• Schedule further examinations to control disease progression and health conditions.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to find the best solution for you.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.