Overview
The illness known as Guillain-Barre syndrome occurs when the immune system of the body targets the nerves. It may result in paralysis, numbness, or weakness.
The initial symptoms are typically tingling and weakness in the hands and feet. These feelings have the potential to cause paralysis and spread swiftly. Guillain-Barre syndrome is a medical emergency in its most severe form. The majority of those who have the illness require hospital treatment.
The precise cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome is unknown, and it is uncommon. However, in the six weeks before the onset of Guillain-Barre symptoms, two-thirds of persons experience infection-related symptoms. Infections can include gastrointestinal or respiratory infections, such as COVID-19. The Zika virus can also cause Guillain-Barré.
Guillain-Barre syndrome does not currently have a known cure. Numerous therapeutic approaches can reduce symptoms and hasten healing. Guillain-Barre syndrome usually leads to full recovery, however, extremely severe conditions might be lethal. Most people can walk again six months after the onset of symptoms, though recovery can take years. Some people may experience long-term side effects, including weariness, numbness, or weakness.
Guillain-Barré syndrome symptoms
Movement, respiration, heartbeat, and perceptions are all impacted by Guillain-Barré syndrome.
- Before you experience symptoms in other areas of your body, it usually first affects your arms and legs.
- Usually, during the first two to four weeks, symptoms worsen.
- Initially, you may have tingling, numbness, or pins and needles in your hands and feet. Usually, this is followed by joint mobility issues and muscular weakness.
Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Nerve pain is a sharp, shooting ache that usually occurs in your legs or back. respiratory issues, such as sagging facial muscles or difficulty speaking or swallowing, and eye issues, like double vision.
What is the Complication of Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Life-threatening consequences may arise if GBS affects your autonomic nerves. Your body’s basic survival processes, such as digestion, blood pressure, and heart rate, are managed by your autonomic nervous system. Dysautonomia is the term for problems with this system.
Dysautonomia associated with GBS can lead to the following complications:
- cardiac irregularities.
- unstable blood pressure.
- gastrointestinal stasis, or problems in digestion.
- problems with bladder control, such as retention of urine.
How is the diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome made?
GBS symptoms might vary. In its early phases, diagnosis might be challenging.
GBS is characterized by these symptoms:
- Both sides of the body are experiencing symptoms.
- The onset of symptoms is rapid. They may show up within hours or weeks instead of months.
- Reflex loss
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has a high protein content. The fluid that envelops the brain and spinal cord is called CSF.
The following tests may be performed to diagnose GBS:
lumbar puncture, or spinal tap. A specialized needle is inserted into the spinal canal in the lower back.
electrodiagnostic procedures, such as nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and electromyography (EMG). The purpose of these investigations is to assess and identify conditions affecting the muscles and motor neurons.
Treatment
Guillain-Barré syndrome patients should be treated and cared for according to the following guidelines:
- Guillain-Barré syndrome has the potential to be fatal. Hospitalization is necessary for GBS patients to provide close monitoring.
- Blood pressure, pulse rate, and respiration are all monitored as part of supportive care. A person is typically placed on a ventilator when their breathing is compromised.
- Although GBS has no known cure, some therapies can lessen its symptoms and shorten its duration.
- Because the condition is autoimmune, immunotherapy—such as intravenous immunoglobulin or plasma exchange to eliminate antibodies from the blood—is usually used to treat its acute phase. When started seven to fourteen days after the onset of symptoms, it is usually helpful.