Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an auto-immune disorder in which the person’s immune system attacks a part of the Peripheral Nervous System.
This syndrome can occur at any age as the main cause of the syndrome is still not known. GBS is a rare disorder that occurs seldom, i.e. 1 out of a million cases. The probability of occurrence for both sexes is equal. However, GBS is more common among men than in women.
GBS is commonly seen occurring in people who develop a gastrointestinal or respiratory disorder. To tackle respiratory disorders find and consult with the best pulmonologist in Karachi, Lahore or any other main city of Pakistan via Marham.pk.
In many countries, it is observed that people affected by ZIKA virus are more prone to Guillain-barré syndrome.
Symptoms of Guillain-barré Syndrome:
- Weakness in legs
- Tingling sensations in upper body and arms that may intensify with time and may lead to severe paralysis.
- Rapid heartbeat rate
- Loss of bladder control
- Difficulty in moving face, eyes, speaking and even chewing!
Causes of Guillain-barré Syndrome:
Doctors are still not able to identify the main cause of Guillain-barré syndrome. But other causes are as follows:
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- GBS is triggered by an improper body immune response.
- Campylobacter: A virus that is present in uncooked food and poultry.
- Cytomegalovirus: A herpes virus
- Mycoplasma pneumonia: A bacteria that may cause diseases ranging from mild respiratory to severe atypical pneumonia.
GBS is also encountered commonly by people who have received the vaccination.
Treatment of Guillain-barré syndrome:
1- Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG):
It is the most commonly used treatment for Guillain-Barré syndrome. In Guillain-Barré syndrome, the immune system produces harmful antibodies that attack the nerves. In this treatment, donated blood with healthy antibodies is injected directly into the vein of the patient to stop the harmful antibodies from affecting the nerves.
2- Plasma Exchange (plasmapheresis):
In this treatment, the patient is attached to a machine that filters out the blood containing harmful antibodies and these antibodies are then removed by the machine and the blood then is returned to the patient.
Guillain-barré syndrome is a very rare disorder that is difficult to treat. The symptoms include pain and abnormal tingling sensations in the legs and toes and these sensations and pain may lead to paralysis. It is not confined to any age and can happen at any time to anyone. Most commonly seen among people who have a gastrointestinal or respiratory disorder.
