30/01/2025
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
1. What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?
- autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves.
- affects the peripheral nerves, leading to weakness, numbness, and, in severe cases, paralysis.
- non contagious
2. Causes of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
The exact cause is unknown, but it is often triggered by infections or other factors that stimulate an abnormal immune response.
Common triggers include:
Viral or bacterial infections (e.g., Campylobacter jejuni, influenza)
Recent vaccinations (rarely, vaccines can trigger GBS).
Surgical procedures or trauma.
Autoimmune reactions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own nerves.
3. Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome
- Ascending paralysis -start in the legs and spread upwards
- Early symptoms:
Tingling or numbness in hands and feet.
Weakness in legs that gradually spreads.
Progressive symptoms:
Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or holding objects.
Loss of reflexes.
Severe pain, especially at night.
Breathing difficulties (if respiratory muscles are affected).
Facial weakness, difficulty speaking, chewing, or swallowing.
Irregular heart rate or blood pressure (autonomic dysfunction).
4. When to See a Doctor?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
Weakness or tingling spreading rapidly from legs to arms.
Difficulty walking or moving normally.
Trouble breathing or swallowing.
Severe pain or paralysis.
Early diagnosis and treatment (IV immunoglobulin or plasmapheresis) can prevent complications and speed up recovery. Though most people recover, some may have long-term weakness or fatigue.
5. How to monitor at home
- use puloximeter to monitor heart rate
- monitor progress of tingling and numbness
- maintain good immunity assessment of vitamins and protein levels
6. Prevention-
- Avoid eating outside
- drink boiled and cooled water
- exercise
- diabetics controll sugar levels
