Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a frightening condition that occurs within days or a few weeks of a mild viral infection. Viral infections that have been associated with this syndrome include bronchitis, flu, and sore throat. Guillain-Barre has also been known to occur after a surgical procedure or vaccination.
Although Guillain-Barre Syndrome is extremely rare, it is frightening as it seems to appear out of nowhere. Guillain-Barre usually appears within two weeks of a mild viral infection. The first symptoms are mild and include weakness in the limbs, but they quickly progress and may even threaten the life of the patient.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome Symptoms
The symptoms of Guillain-Barre range in severity. In many cases, weakness leads to paralysis of the limbs. Facial muscles may also be affected making it difficult or impossible to swallow. In extreme cases, patients have to be put on life support due to paralysis of the respiratory muscles.
In cases of Guillain-Barre, weakness begins in the limbs and affects both sides of the body equally. The rapid progression of the syndrome often involves the paralysis of facial muscles which causes slurred speech and blurred vision. Numbness of the hands and feet is also common. Symptoms progress rapidly over the course of hours or days. After the period of about two weeks, the progression of the syndrome stops and the body begins to heal. Nearly 90 percent of patients recover fully, but there are some instances where muscle weakness remains.
The Causes Of Guillain-Barre Syndrome
While the exact cause of Guillain-Barre Syndrome is unknown, it is known that the condition arises due to the inflammation and destruction of the fatty material that is found around some types of nerve fiber. Guillain-Barre attacks the nervous system much like multiple sclerosis does except that it affects the peripheral nervous system rather than the central nervous system. It is believed that this attack is brought about by an abnormal immune reaction in which the body’s own immune system begins destroying the lipid and protein material found around the nerve fibers.
To check for Guillain-Barre Syndrome your doctor may order a series of tests. A spinal tap may be performed to check for changes in the spinal fluid. Another common test is an electromyography. This test studies the electrical impulses of the peripheral nerves and muscles for signs of weakness. In most cases, though, clinical evaluation of symptoms is enough to make a positive diagnosis.
Treatment And Cure Of Guillain-Barre Syndrome
There is no cure or treatment that will stop the progression of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, but there are some treatments that seem to lessen the symptoms, shorten hospitalization, and help speed recovery. These treatments are most effective when administered early. One treatment option involves the filtering of blood to remove plasma. The plasma is then replaced with an artificial substance that is thought to help remove the antibodies that are attacking the nerve fibers. Another option is the injection of gamma globulin which blocks the nerve receptors so that the antibodies cannot attach to them.
After recovery begins, it often takes months of physical therapy before a patient is 100 percent. While this condition rarely occurs again, in about 3 percent of Guillain-Barre Syndrome cases, the syndrome becomes recurring or chronic.
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