Guillain-Barré Syndrome – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments!

Guillain-Barré Syndrome – What is it, Symptoms and Treatments  of this condition. In addition, Guillain-Barré Syndrome  (GBS) is a sudden onset of muscle weakness caused by the immune system attacking the peripheral nervous system.

Initial symptoms are usually pain or changes in sensation and muscle weakness starting in the feet and hands. This weakness often spreads to the arms and upper body, involving both sides. Symptoms develop over a range of a few hours to a few weeks.

During the acute phase, the disease can be life-threatening, as 15% of people have weakness in the respiratory muscles and require mechanical ventilation. Some are affected by functional changes in the autonomic nervous system, which can cause serious abnormalities in heart rhythm and blood pressure . So, check now  Guillain-Barré Syndrome- What is it, Symptoms and Treatments:

What it is: Guillain-Barré Syndrome   (gee-YAH-buh-RAY) is a rare disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks your nerves. Weakness and tingling in your extremities are usually the first symptoms.

These sensations can spread quickly, eventually paralyzing your entire body. In its most severe form, Guillain-Barré Syndrome  is a medical emergency. Most people with the condition must be hospitalized to receive treatment.

The exact cause of Guillain-Barré Syndrome  is unknown. But it is often preceded by an infectious disease, such as a respiratory infection or the stomach flu.

There is no known cure for Guillain-Barré Syndrome , but several treatments can alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness. Most people recover from Guillain-Barré Syndrome , although some can have lingering effects such as weakness, numbness, or fatigue.

Main Causes:  The exact cause is not known. The disorder usually appears days or weeks after a respiratory or digestive tract infection.

Rarely, recent surgery or immunization can trigger Guillain-Barré Syndrome . In Guillain-Barré Syndrome , your immune system – which normally only attacks invading organisms – starts attacking the nerves.

In AIDP, the most common form of Guillain-Barré Syndrome  in Brazil, the protective covering of the nerves (myelin sheath) is damaged. The damage prevents the nerves from transmitting signals to your brain, causing weakness, numbness, or paralysis.

Main Symptoms:  Guillain-Barré Syndrome  usuallystarts with tingling and weakness starting in your feet and legs and spreading to your upper body and arms.

In about 10 percent of people with the disorder, symptoms begin in the arms or face. As Guillain-Barré Syndrome  progresses, muscle weakness can progress to paralysis. Signs and symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome  can include:

• Prickling, “pins and needles” sensations in your fingers, toes, ankles or wrists
• Weakness in your legs that spreads to your upper body
• Unsafe walking or inability to walk or climb stairs
• Difficulty with eye or facial movements, including speaking, chewing, or swallowing
• Severe pain that may feel like aching or cramping and may be worse at night
• Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel function
• fast heart rate
• Low or high blood pressure
• Difficulty breathing

People with Guillain-Barré Syndrome  usually experience their most significant weakness within two to four weeks of the onset of symptoms. Recovery usually begins two to four weeks after plateaus of weakness.

When to See a Doctor:  Call your doctor if you have mild tingling in your toes or fingers that seems to be spreading or getting worse. Seek emergency medical help if you have any of these serious signs or symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome :

• Tingling that started in your feet or toes and is now moving up your body
• Tingling or weakness that is rapidly spreading
• Difficulty catching your breath or shortness of breath when lying down
• Choking in the saliva

Guillain-Barré Syndrome  is a serious condition that requires immediate hospitalization because it can get worse quickly. The sooner the proper treatment, the better the chance of a good result.

Risk Factors:  Guillain-Barré Syndrome  canaffect all age groups. But you’re at a slightly higher risk if:

• You are a man
• You are an older adult

Guillain-Barré Syndrome  can be triggered by:

• Most commonly, infection with campylobacter, a type of bacteria often found in undercooked poultry
• influenza virus
• Epstein Barr virus
• HIV , the virus that causes AIDS
• Mycoplasma pneumonia
• Surgery
• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Rarely, flu shots or childhood vaccines

Complications:  Guillain-Barré Syndrome  affectsyour nerves. Because the nerves control your body movements and functions, people with Guillain-Barré Syndrome may experience:

• Breathing difficulties. Weakness or paralysis can spread to the muscles that control your breathing, a potentially life-threatening complication. Up to 30 percent of people with Guillain-Barré Syndrome  need temporary help from a breathing machine when they are hospitalized for treatment.
• Residual numbness or other sensations. Most people with Guillain-Barré Syndrome  recover completely or only have minor, residual weakness, numbness, or tingling.
• Heart and blood pressure problems. Blood pressure fluctuations and irregular heart rhythms (cardiac arrhythmias) are common side effects of Guillain-Barré Syndrome .
• Ache. Up to half of people with Guillain-Barré Syndrome  experience severe nerve pain, which can be relieved with medication.
• Problems with bowel and bladder function. Slow bowel function and urine retention can result from Guillain-Barré Syndrome .
• Blood clots. People immobilized due to Guillain-Barré Syndrome  are at risk of developing blood clots. Until you can walk independently, getting blood thinners and wearing support stockings may be recommended.
• Press wounds. Being immobilized also puts you at risk of developing bedsores (pressure sores). Frequent repositioning can help to avoid this problem.
• Relapse. Up to 5 percent of people with Guillain-Barré Syndrome  experience a relapse.

Severe and early symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome  significantly increase the risk of serious long-term complications. Rarely, death can occur from complications such as respiratory distress syndrome and heart attack.

Diagnosis:  Guillain-Barré Syndrome  canbe difficult to diagnose in the early stages. Its signs and symptoms are similar to those of other neurological disorders and can vary from person to person. Your doctor will likely start with a medical history and a complete physical exam. Your doctor may then recommend:

• Spinal twist (lumbar puncture). A small amount of fluid is withdrawn from the spinal canal in the lower back. The fluid is tested for a type of change that usually occurs in people who have Guillain-Barré Syndrome .
• Electromyography. Fine needle electrodes are inserted into the muscles your doctor wants to study. The electrodes measure nerve activity in the muscles.
• Nerve conduction studies. The electrodes are etched into the skin above your nerves. A small shock passes through the nerve to measure the speed of nerve signals.

Treatments:  There is no cure for Guillain-Barré Syndrome . But two types of treatments can speed recovery and reduce the severity of illness:

• Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis). The liquid portion of a part of your blood (plasma) is removed and separated from the blood cells. The blood cells are then fed back into your body, which makes more plasma to make up for what was removed. Plasmapheresis can result in the plasma release of certain antibodies that contribute to the immune system’s attack on peripheral nerves.
• Immunoglobulin therapy. Immunoglobulin containing healthy antibodies from blood donors is given through a vein (intravenously). High doses of immunoglobulin can block harmful antibodies that can contribute to Guillain-Barré Syndrome .

These treatments are equally effective. Mixing them together or administering them one after the other is no more effective than using either method alone. You will likely also receive medication for:

• Relieve pain, which can be severe
• Prevent blood clots, which can develop while you are immobile

People with Guillain-Barré Syndrome  need physical help and therapy before and during recovery. Your care may include:

• Movement of your arms and legs by caregivers prior to recovery to help keep your muscles flexible and strong.
• Physiotherapy during recovery to help you regain strength and good movement
• Training with adaptive devices, such as a wheelchair or braces, to provide you with mobility and self-care skills.
• Exercise therapy, to deal with fatigue

Recovery:  While some people can take months and even years to recover, most people with Guillain-Barré Syndrome  experience this general timeline:

• After the first signs and symptoms, the condition tends to get progressively worse over about two weeks.
• Symptoms reach a plateau within four weeks
• Recovery begins, usually lasting six to 12 months, although for some people it can take up to three years.

Among adults who recover from Guillain-Barré Syndrome :

• About 80% can walk independently six months after diagnosis
• About 60% fully regain engine power one year after diagnosis
• About 5 to 10% have long-delayed and incomplete recovery

Children, who rarely develop Guillain-Barré Syndrome , usually recover more than adults.