Guillain-Barré Syndrome (Gbs) A Rare But Serious Autoimmune Disorder

Guillain-Barré syndrome, sometimes known as GBS, is a rare but serious autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks healthy nerve cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This leads to weakness, numbness, and tingling. It can eventually result in paralysis.

 

The cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome is unknown. It’s typically triggered by an infectious illness, such as gastroenteritis (irritation of the stomach or intestines) or a lung infection. Guillain-Barré syndrome is rare, affecting only about 1 in 100,000 peopleTrusted Source in the United States, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 

 

There’s no cure for the condition, but treatment can help reduce the severity of your symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness.

 

Symptoms Of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

 

In Guillain-Barré syndrome, your immune system attacks your PNS. The nerves in your PNS connect your brain to the rest of your body and transmit signals to your muscles.  If the nerves are damaged, your muscles will not be able to respond to the signals they receive from your brain.

 

The first symptom of Guillain-Barré syndrome is usually a tingling sensation in your toes, feet, and legs. The tingling spreads upward to your arms and fingers.  The symptoms can progress very rapidly. In some people, the disease can become serious in just a few hours.

 

The other symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome include:

 

  • Tingling Or Prickling Sensations In Your Fingers And Toes
  • Muscle Weakness In Your Legs That Travels To Your Upper Body And Gets Worse Over Time
  • Difficulty Walking Steadily
  • Difficulty Moving Your Eyes Or Face, Talking, Chewing, Or Swallowing
  • Severe Lower Back Pain
  • Loss Of Bladder Control
  • Fast Heart Rate
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Paralysis

 

Guillain-Barré Syndrome Causes And Risk Factors

 

The precise cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome is unknown. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about two-thirdsTrusted Source of people with Guillain-Barré syndrome develop it soon after they’ve been sick with diarrhea or a respiratory infection.  This suggests that Guillain-Barré syndrome is triggered by an improper immune response to the previous illness.

 

The most common risk factor for Guillain-Barré syndrome is Campylobacter jejuni infection. Campylobacter is one of the most common bacterial causes of diarrhea in the United States. It’s often found in undercooked food, especially poultry.

 

The following infections have also been associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome:

 

  • Flu
  • Cytomegalovirus (Cmv), Which Is A Strain Of The Herpes Virus
  • Epstein-Barr Virus (Ebv)
  • Mononucleosis, Which Is Typically Caused By Ebv
  • Mycoplasma Pneumonia, Which Is An Atypical Pneumonia Caused By Bacteria-Like Organisms
  • Hiv or Aids

 

Anyone can get Guillain-Barré syndrome, but it’s more common among adults over 50 years oldTrusted Source.

 

How Guillain-Barré Syndrome Is Diagnosed

 

Guillain-Barré syndrome is difficult to diagnose at first. This is because the symptoms are very similar to those of other neurological disorders or conditions that affect the nervous system.  These disorders and conditions include botulism, meningitis, and heavy metal poisoning. Heavy metal poisoning may be caused by substances such as lead, mercury, and arsenic.

 

Your doctor will ask questions about specific symptoms and your medical history. Tell your doctor about any unusual symptoms and if you’ve had any recent or past illnesses or infections.  Tests that are used to help confirm a diagnosis are described below.

 

Spinal Tap

 

A spinal tap (also known as a lumbar puncture) involves taking a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid from your lower back. The cerebrospinal fluid is then tested to detect protein levels. People with Guillain-Barré syndrome typically have higher-than-normal levels of protein in their cerebrospinal fluid.

 

Electromyography (EMG)

 

An electromyography (EMG) is a nerve function test. It reads electrical activity from the muscles to help your doctor learn if your muscle weakness is caused by nerve damage or muscle damage.

 

Nerve Conduction Velocity Tests

 

Nerve conduction velocity tests may be used to test how well your nerves and muscles respond to small electrical pulses.

 

Treatment For Guillain-Barré Syndrome

 

Guillain-Barré syndrome is an autoimmune inflammatory process that’s self-limiting, meaning it will resolve on its own.  However, anyone with this condition should be admitted to a hospital for close observation. The symptoms can quickly worsen and can be fatal if left untreated.

 

In severe cases, people with Guillain-Barré syndrome can develop full-body paralysis. The condition can be life threatening if paralysis affects the diaphragm or chest muscles, preventing proper breathing.  The goal of treatment is to lessen the severity of the immune attack and support your body functions, such as lung function, while your nervous system recovers.

 

Treatments may include plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).

 

Plasmapheresis (Plasma Exchange)

 

The immune system produces antibodies, which are proteins that normally attack bacteria, viruses, and other harmful foreign substances. Guillain-Barré syndrome occurs when your immune system mistakenly makes antibodies that attack healthy nerves of your nervous system.

 

The goal of plasmapheresis is to remove the antibodies attacking the nerves from your blood. During this procedure, a machine is used to remove blood from your body. This machine removes the antibodies from your blood and then returns the blood to your body.

 

Intravenous Immunoglobulin (Ivig)

 

Immunoglobulin contains normal, healthy donor antibodies. High doses of immunoglobulin can help block the antibodies causing Guillain-Barré syndrome.  Plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) are equally effective. It’s up to you and your doctor to decide which treatment is best.

 

Other Treatments

 

You may be given medication to relieve pain and prevent blood clots while you’re immobile.  You’ll likely receive occupational and physical therapy too. During the acute phase of the illness, caregivers will manually move your arms and legs to keep them flexible.

 

Therapists will work with you on muscle strengthening and a range of activities of daily living (ADLs) once you begin to recover. This can include personal care activities, such as getting dressed.

 

Do You Have An Autoimmune Disease?

 

If you have inflammation, joint pain or other vague symptoms, Autoimmune disorders and specialized testing are some of the regenerative medicine treatments offered at Integrative Telemedicine. 

 

Our physicians will perform a comprehensive evaluation of your condition in order to determine which treatment might be best for you. They will explain your options so that you can make a decision you’re most comfortable with.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, call our friendly staff today at (520) 396-4866 or fill out our online request form. We look forward to being your healthcare partner.

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