New Delhi: Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare but serious neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system, often leading to sudden and rapid muscle weakness or paralysis. It typically begins with weakness and tingling sensations in the legs, which can quickly progress to the upper body, sometimes leaving individuals completely unable to move. The exact cause of GBS remains unclear, but it is frequently triggered by an infection, such as a respiratory or gastrointestinal illness, or even a viral infection like the flu or Zika virus.
Although Guillain-Barré Syndrome is considered rare, its sudden onset and potential severity make it a significant medical concern. Most commonly, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s nerve cells, leading to inflammation that disrupts communication between the nerves and the muscles. This interference can lead to severe complications, including difficulty breathing and, in extreme cases, organ failure. However, despite the seriousness of GBS, many individuals can recover with proper medical care, such as intravenous immunoglobulin therapy or plasmapheresis.
While the road to recovery can be long and arduous, with some patients experiencing lingering weakness or other side effects, advancements in treatment have dramatically improved the outlook for those affected. The unpredictability and intensity of Guillain-Barré Syndrome serve as a stark reminder of the delicate balance within the human body’s immune and nervous systems.
Dr. Rajas Deshpande, Consultant, and Director -Neurology, Jupiter Hospital, Pune, says, “GBS or Guillain Barre syndrome is caused by destruction of our nerves due to antibodies formed by our immune system. These antibodies are made to fight viral or bacterial infections, but confuse between the viral/bacterial protein, and the protein in our nerve fibers or their coating. As the nerves are damaged, they cannot conduct the impulses and orders from the brain for the muscles to move. This causes severe weakness in the hands, legs, and respiratory muscles. Sometimes swallowing muscles are also paralyzed.
Consequences of GBS
Patients may also develop other dangerous problems like sudden fluctuations in blood pressure, heart rate, irregular heart rate, and inability to swallow. If swallowing is severely affected, patients may aspirate food and require emergency measures to save lives. Such patients are at a very high risk of respiratory failure and need ventilation. Sometimes severe fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate or arrhythmia can cause death. Other common causes of death in patients with GBS are infections during prolonged ICU admission or the development of blood clots because of being immobile.
Although most patients do not develop respiratory and swallowing issues or other dangerous problems, any patient can develop such issues and hence patients must be hospitalized and treated as early as possible. There are good treatment options available for the treatment of GBS, however, all patients may not respond equally, and some patients may not respond at all to the treatment. Those who respond usually recover over six weeks to six months, some patients may retain permanent disability.
Patients may remain on ventilator support for a few days or weeks and some patients may have great difficulty recovering their breathing ability back again. If GBS is severe, it may cause permanent damage to the nerves and muscles of the legs and hands. Rarely some patients may also develop a recurrence of GBS after recovering from the first attack. GBS is caused by some bacteria and viruses and hence one should avoid contaminated food usually responsible for such infections.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is currently wreacking havoc in Pune and now in Mumbai as well. Know the symptoms, causes and treatment options for the same. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
