![Guillain-Barré Syndrome](https://i0.wp.com/nationmirror.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/arh.jpg?fit=364%2C225&ssl=1)
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?
GBS is a rare but serious neurological disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy nerves, leading to nerve damage. This condition can cause severe weakness in the limbs, trunk, and face, and in some cases, paralysis or even death.
- Cause: It is often triggered by bacterial or viral infections, such as Campylobacter jejuni (a bacterial infection from contaminated food or water) or respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.
- Mechanism: The immune system attacks peripheral nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, impairing their function.
Symptoms of GBS
Symptoms can develop rapidly, often within a few days to weeks:
- Initial signs: Tingling or numbness in the limbs (hands and feet).
- Progression: Weakness in the legs, foot drop, or difficulty with hand-grip.
- Advanced symptoms:
- Difficulty raising arms or standing from the ground.
- Facial weakness (e.g., drooping eyelid or asymmetrical smile).
- Severe autonomic disturbances (e.g., fluctuating blood pressure, irregular heartbeat).
- Difficulty speaking, swallowing, or breathing.
Note: The condition can progress over four weeks, with some patients experiencing rapid worsening.
When to Seek Medical Help
Seek urgent medical attention if you or someone you know develops:
- Progressive weakness in limbs.
- Difficulty walking or standing.
- Facial drooping or difficulty speaking.
- Trouble breathing or swallowing.
- Severe autonomic disturbances (e.g., abnormal heartbeat, temperature fluctuations).
Treatment of GBS
Early treatment is critical to prevent complications and improve recovery outcomes:
- Hospitalization: For monitoring vital signs and potential worsening. Severe cases may need ICU and ventilatory support.
- Acute-phase treatment:
- Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG): Administered over five days.
- Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis): Over a week to remove harmful antibodies.
- Steroids: Typically avoided.
- Rehabilitation:
- Physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
- Use of assistive devices like braces or wheelchairs temporarily.
Complications
Untreated or severe GBS can lead to:
- Abnormal heart rhythms.
- Breathing difficulties requiring ventilatory support.
- Blood pressure irregularities.
- Blood clots and secondary infections.
Prevention of GBS
While GBS cannot always be prevented, general hygiene and food safety can reduce the risk of triggering infections:
- Food safety:
- Drink boiled or bottled water.
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
- Cook meat, poultry, and seafood thoroughly.
- Avoid raw or undercooked food (e.g., salads, eggs, or kebabs).
- Hygiene measures:
- Wash hands frequently with soap, especially before eating or after using the toilet.
- Disinfect kitchen surfaces and utensils after handling raw meat.
By following these precautions, the risk of infections like Campylobacter jejuni, which is linked to GBS outbreaks, can be minimized.