Description

Guillain-Barre (gee-YAH-ta-RAY) syndrome is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves. This can cause weakness, numbness or paralysis.

Weakness and tingling in the hands and feet are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread and can lead to paralysis. In its most severe form Guillain-Barre syndrome is a medical emergency. Most people with the condition need treatment in a hospital.

Guillain-Barré syndrome is rare, and the exact cause is not known. But two-thirds of the people who have symptoms of an infection in the six weeks before the Guillain-Barre syndrome, onset of symptoms. The infections may include a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection, including COVID-19 . The Guillain-Barre syndrome can also be caused by the virus Zika.

There is no known cure for Guillain-Barré syndrome. Several treatment options can relieve symptoms and help speed recovery. Most people will fully recover from Guillain-Barré syndrome, but some serious diseases that can be fatal. While recovery can take up to several years, most people are able to walk again six months after the symptoms first began. Some people may have long-lasting effects, such as weakness, numbness or fatigue.

Symptoms

Guillain-Barre syndrome often begins with tingling and weakness starting in your feet and legs and spreading to your upper body and arms. Some people notice the first symptoms in the arms or face. As the Guillain-Barré syndrome progresses, muscle weakness can become paralysis.

The symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome may include:

  • A feeling of pins and needles in the fingers, feet, toes, ankles or wrists.
  • Weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper part of the body.
  • Unsteady walk, or not being able to walk or climb stairs.
  • Issues with the facial movements, including speaking, chewing or swallowing.
  • Double vision, or the inability to move the eyes.
  • The severe pain that can feel pain, the shot or the type of spasm and may be worse at night.
  • Problems with bladder control or bowel function.
  • Rapid heart rate.
  • Low or high blood pressure.
  • Difficulty breathing.

People with Guillain-Barré syndrome usually experience their most significant weakness within two weeks after symptoms begin.

Types of

The symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome may vary according to the type. Guillain-Barré syndrome has several forms. The main types are:

  • Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), the most common form in North America and Europe. The most common sign of the AIDP is muscle weakness that begins in the lower part of the body and spreads upward.
  • Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), in which the paralysis starts in the eyes. MFS is also associated with an unsteady walk. MFS is less common in the united states, but it is more common in Asia.
  • Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) and acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) are less common in the united states, But AMAN and AMSAN are more common in China, Japan and Mexico.

When to see a doctor

Call your health care professional if you have a slight tingling in the toes or fingers, which does not seem to be spreading or getting worse. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these serious symptoms:

  • Sensation of tingling that started in the feet or toes of the feet and is now moving of its body.
  • Tingling or weakness that spread rapidly.
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath when lying down.
  • Choking on saliva.

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a serious illness that requires immediate hospitalization, as it can worsen quickly. The sooner you start treatment, the better the chance of a full recovery.

Causes

The exact cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome is not known. It usually appears days or weeks after a respiratory or digestive tract infection. Rarely, recent surgery or vaccination can trigger Guillain-Barré syndrome.

In Guillain-Barré syndrome, your immune system — which usually attacks only to invading organisms — begins attacking the nerves. In AIDP , the nerves protective cover, known as the myelin sheath is damaged. The damage prevents the nerves from transmitting signals to your brain, causing weakness, numbness or paralysis.

Guillain-Barré syndrome can be caused by:

  • More commonly, an infection with campylobacter, a type of bacteria that is often found in undercooked poultry.
  • The Influenza a virus.
  • Cytomegalovirus.
  • The Epstein-Barr virus.
  • Zika virus.
  • Hepatitis a, B, C, and E.
  • HIV , the virus that causes AIDS .
  • Mycoplasma pneumonia.
  • Surgery.
  • The Trauma.
  • Hodgkin's lymphoma.
  • Rarely, the vaccine against the flu or childhood vaccines.
  • COVID-19 virus.

Risk factors

Guillain-Barré syndrome can affect all age groups, but the risk increases with age. It is also slightly more common in men than in women.

Complications

Guillain-Barré syndrome affects the nerves. Because nerves control your movements and functions of the human body, people with Guillain-Barré syndrome may experience:

  • Difficulty breathing. Weakness or paralysis that can spread to the muscles that control breathing. This can potentially be fatal. Up to 22% of people with Guillain-Barré syndrome need temporary help of a breathing machine within the first week, when they are hospitalized to receive treatment.
  • Residual numbness or other sensations. Most people with Guillain-Barré syndrome recover completely or have only minor residual weakness, numbness or a tingling sensation.
  • Heart and blood pressure problems. The blood pressure fluctuations and irregular rhythms of the heart, are common side effects of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
  • Pain. A third of people with Guillain-Barré syndrome experience nerve pain which can be alleviated with medication.
  • Problems with bowel and bladder function. Slow bowel function, and retention of urine may be the result of Guillain-Barré syndrome.
  • The blood clots. People who are not mobile due to Guillain-Barré syndrome are at risk of developing blood clots. Until you are able to walk independently, you may need to take blood thinners and wear support stockings to improve blood flow.
  • Pressure ulcers. You may be at risk of developing pressure ulcers, also known as pressure sores, if you are not able to move. Change position often can help avoid this problem.
  • Relapse. A small percentage of people with Guillain-Barré syndrome have a relapse. A relapse can cause muscle weakness, even years after the symptoms disappeared.

When the first symptoms are worse, the risk of serious long-term complications increases. Rarely, death may occur from complications such as respiratory distress syndrome and heart attacks.

Diagnosis

Guillain-Barré syndrome can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages. Its symptoms are similar to other conditions and may vary from person to person.

Your health care professional begins with a medical history and complete physical examination.

Your health care professional may then recommend:

  • Spinal tap, also known as a lumbar puncture. A small amount of fluid is removed from the spinal canal in the lower part of his back. The fluid is tested for a type of change that occurs commonly in people who have Guillain-Barré syndrome.
  • Electromyography. The fine-needle electrodes are placed over the muscles to measure the activity of the nerve.
  • Nerve conduction studies. Electrodes are taped to the skin over your nerves. A small shock is passed through the nerve to measure the speed of the nerve signals.

Treatment

There is No cure for Guillain-Barré syndrome. But the two types of treatments can speed up the recovery and reduce the symptoms:

  • The Plasma exchange, also known as plasmapheresis. The Plasma is the liquid portion of the part of your blood. In an exchange of plasma, the plasma is separated cells in your blood. The blood cells are then put back into your body, which makes it more plasma to replace what was removed. Plasmapheresis can work through the elimination from plasma of certain antibodies that help the immune system attacks the peripheral nerves.
  • Immunoglobulin therapy. The immunoglobulin healthy that contains antibodies in the donor blood is given through a vein. High doses of immunoglobulin can block the damaging antibodies that may contribute to the syndrome of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

These treatments are equally effective. The mixture of them, or by using one after the other is no more effective than the use of either method alone.

It is very likely that you will also be given a medicine to:

  • To relieve the pain, which can be serious.
  • Prevent blood clots, which can develop if you're not mobile.

People with Guillain-Barré syndrome needs physical assistance and therapy before and during the recovery. Your care may include:

  • The movement of the arms and legs of the caregivers prior to the recovery, to help keep the muscles flexible and strong.
  • Physical therapy during recovery to help you deal with the fatigue and restore strength and proper movement.
  • Training with adaptive devices, such as a wheelchair or braces, to give you mobility and self-care skills.

Recovery

The recovery can take months and even years. But most people with Guillain-Barré syndrome experience on this general timeline:

  • After the first symptoms, the disease tends to get worse for about two weeks.
  • The symptoms reach a plateau, in the period of four weeks.
  • Recovery begins, which can last anywhere from 6 to 12 months. For some people, recovery can take up to three years.

Among adults, the recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome:

  • Approximately 80% could walk independently, and six months after diagnosis.
  • Approximately 60% to fully recover from the engine force of a year after diagnosis.
  • About 5% to 10%, have very delayed and incomplete recovery.

Children rarely develop Guillain-Barré syndrome. When they do, they usually recover more completely than that of adults.

Coping and support

A diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome can be emotionally difficult. Although most people recover fully, the condition is usually painful and requires a hospital stay and months of rehabilitation. People with Guillain-Barré syndrome should be adjusted to the limited mobility and fatigue.

To manage the stress of recovery in the Guillain-Barré syndrome, consider these suggestions:

  • Maintain a strong support system of friends and family.
  • Contact a support group, for oneself or for family members.
  • Discuss your feelings and concerns with a counselor.

Preparing for your appointment

You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in disorders of the brain and nervous system, known as a neurologist.

What you can do

  • Write down your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
  • Make a list of all your medications, vitamins and supplements.
  • Write down your key medical information, including other conditions.
  • Write down key personal information, including any recent changes or stressors in your life.
  • Write questions to ask their health care team.
  • Ask a relative or friend to accompany you, to help you remember what your provider tells you.

Questions to ask your doctor

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • What kinds of tests do I need?
  • What type of treatments do I need?
  • How soon do you expect that my symptoms improve with treatment?
  • You betcha I'm going to recover?
  • How long is recovery?
  • Am I at risk of long-term complications?

In addition to the questions you have prepared, do not hesitate to ask questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

It is likely that he would ask several questions. Be prepared to answer them you can let go the more points you want to spend more time. You may ask:

  • What are your symptoms and what parts of the body are affected?
  • When did you first begin experiencing symptoms? Did you suddenly or gradually?
  • Do your symptoms seem to be spreading or getting worse?
  • If you are experiencing weakness, affecting one or both sides of your body?
  • Has had problems with bladder or bowel control?
  • Have you had problems with vision, breathing, chewing or swallowing?
  • Have you had a recent infectious disease?
  • Have you recently spent time in a wooded area or traveled abroad?
  • Has recently had medical procedures, including vaccinations?
Symptoms and treatment of the Guillain-Barré syndrome