Guillain-Barr Syndrome: The Latest In Life-Threatening Condition
Disease

Guillain-Barr Syndrome: The Latest In Life-Threatening Condition

Guillain-Barr Syndrome: The immune system attacks nerve cells in the body, weakening their ability to send signals to the brain. This results in a reduced number of signals sent to the brain, which causes a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms begin in the arms and legs, where you may experience muscle weakness or “pins and needles” tingling. Later, symptoms may move to the midsection. You may also experience unusual fatigue.

Guillain-Barr Syndrome
Photo by Michelle Leman on Pexels.com

Table of Contents

Symptoms of Guillain-Barr Syndrome

Guillain-Barr syndrome (GBS) is a neurological disorder in which the immune system attacks nerves. This attack damages the myelin sheath, which surrounds nerve cells. Damaged myelin prevents nerves from sending signals to the brain. This causes symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and even paralysis. GBS is often triggered by a virus, such as the COVID-19, and can also be caused by vaccinations. Symptoms of GBS can be monitored by electromyography, which measures nerve activity.

Guillain-Barr syndrome symptoms often begin suddenly

  • Initially, a person may feel tingling in the fingers and toes. Other signs include muscle weakness and a change in heart rate. Some patients may also experience respiratory failure or a heart attack. Luckily, medication is available to treat Guillain-Barre syndrome.
  • Typical treatments for Guillain-Barre syndrome include medications to manage pain and to prevent blood clots, which can occur due to long periods of forced immobility.
  • Patients may also undergo physical therapy. In some cases, patients will receive training on how to use durable medical equipment. While most patients will recover on their own, there are some complications that may persist, including high or low blood pressure, numbness, and urinary and defecation problems.
  • Although the disease is rare, it should be treated promptly. Most people recover from the symptoms within a year. It is more common in older people and men. There is a small risk of recurrence. In some cases, a patient can recur years after the initial attack.
  • The severity of the symptoms depends on the cause. In about 50% of cases, a viral or bacterial infection triggers the disease. In other cases, the disease is caused by an autoimmune response involving the white blood cells and the myelin.

Causes of Guillain-Barr Syndrome

People who suffer from Guillain-Barr syndrome usually develop symptoms of muscle weakness, tingling, or pain. In severe cases, the patient may develop a low blood pressure that can be dangerous. The symptoms can last for days or weeks, depending on the severity.

Although the causes of Guillain-Barr syndrome are not completely understood, most people who develop it have suffered from an infection of some kind.

Most Common Causes

  • The most common trigger is a gastrointestinal infection with a bacteria called Campylobacter jejuni. Other viral infections can also cause the syndrome. In addition, a vaccination may trigger the condition.
  • Early detection of Guillain-Barr syndrome is very important. In its early stages, it can be difficult to distinguish it from other neurological disorders, so doctors may need to run a series of tests.
  • The physician will perform a thorough physical exam and neurological exam to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. A spinal tap may also be necessary to confirm a diagnosis.
  • Patients with symptoms of Guillain-Barr syndrome may need physical therapy and occupational therapy. Rehabilitation specialists may also help patients live independently at home.
  • Home care is sometimes required for patients who are wheelchair-bound. The patient may also require visiting nurses and physical therapists. In extreme cases, a patient may be referred to a rehabilitation center. Treatments for Guillain-Barr syndrome are individualized for each patient.

Diagnosis of Guillain-Barr Syndrome

Guillain-Barr syndrome is a post-infectious disorder. Its course is monophasic and typically begins within one month after infection. Two-thirds of patients report a previous infection, usually four weeks or less before the onset of weakness. The most common infection is C jejuni, found in 25-50% of adult patients. Associated viruses include Epstein-Barr virus and influenza A virus.

Diagnosis of Guillain-Barr syndrome requires a careful physical exam by a medical professional. The disease is characterized by weakness of the arms, legs, and feet. It can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the extent of the nerve damage. Treatment includes physical therapy, which helps prevent muscle contractures and associated deformities. Patients often work with a team of healthcare providers, including neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and social workers.

MRI

MRI and spinal cord imaging are often done to confirm the diagnosis. Typically, patients have a high concentration of protein in the spinal fluid. In most cases, the protein level is not associated with inflammation.

The highest concentration of protein in spinal fluid occurs about a week after the onset of symptoms. Other tests, including nerve conduction studies, are used to determine the extent of nerve damage and determine the prognosis.

Diagnosis of Guillain-Barr syndrome is usually straightforward but can be challenging, particularly in young children and in countries with low diagnostic resources. Clinical examinations, nerve conduction studies, and cerebrospinal fluid tests can aid in the diagnosis.

NCS

NCS is useful to differentiate acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy from Guillain-Barr syndrome. In the former, distal CMAP amplitudes are less than 10% of LLN in at least two nerves. Transient blocks of the CMP at the node of Ranvier may be a sign of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

Treatment of Guillain-Barr Syndrome

Guillain-Barr syndrome (GBS) treatment involves a combination of medicines and physical therapy. Your therapist will perform manual muscle movements and will work on muscle strengthening and regaining range of motion. Your physical therapist will also help you improve your daily living activities.

Plasm Exchange

Several treatments are available for Guillain-Barr syndrome, including plasma exchange. Plasma exchange involves a plastic tube inserted into your vein and blood cells are removed. The cells are then returned to you. This procedure can reduce the severity of a Guillain-Barr episode by blocking the antibodies that cause the syndrome.

Electromyography

Guillain-Barr syndrome can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages, because it can look similar to other neurological conditions. A physical examination and medical history will help your doctor diagnose the condition. You will also likely be given an electromyography, which measures nerve activity. This test can reveal whether your nerves have become damaged.

Autoimmune

The best treatment for Guillain-Barr syndrome is to get treatment as soon as possible. This disease can be fatal if not treated. The most serious cases can leave a patient paralyzed and unable to breathe. Treatment aims to lessen the effects of the autoimmune attack on nerve cells and to help the body recover while the nervous system is being repaired.

Guillain-Barr syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that affects the nerves in the body. The immune system attacks the inner covering of the nerve (myelin sheath), resulting in delayed signals. It can also be triggered by an infection, such as one caused by the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni.

Relapse

Although most people eventually recover from Guillain-Barr syndrome, the process is slow and may take many years. About 1 in 5 people experience long-term complications. Some people may be permanently weakened, and some may need to use a wheelchair or walker for the rest of their lives. A specialised service is available to help people recover and cope with the long-term effects of this disease. It will evaluate a person’s health and care needs, and an individual care plan will be formulated.

Guillain-Barr syndrome- Recurrence

  • Relapse is typically defined as a recurrence, but it can also be an adverse reaction to treatment. Patients with GBS who are on immunotherapy often have a relapse. A relapse is considered a treatment-related fluctuation if the patient’s disability levels improve or worsen within two months of starting treatment.
  • Genetics plays a role in the development of Guillain-Barr syndrome. Certain genes have a greater risk of developing the disorder. However, more research is needed to identify the genes that are associated with the disease. Many of these genes are involved in the immune system.
  • Relapse of Guillain-Barre syndrome can result from a number of different factors. For instance, immunisation with a certain vaccine can result in a higher risk of developing GBS. In addition to vaccination, GBS may result from a viral infection.
  • The most common cause for GBS is an infection. It triggers the body’s immune system to attack normal tissues. About two-thirds of GBS patients report a history of a respiratory or gastrointestinal virus. Some specific viruses have been linked to GBS, including the Epstein-Barr virus and Campylobacter jejuni. Other triggers include surgery or other illnesses.