Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare condition in which the body’s immune system responds abnormally and attacks the nerves. This can lead to weakness, numbness or even paralysis. Most people would need to be treated in a hospital and at times, this could be a medical emergency. However, in most cases, a full recovery can be achieved.

While the exact cause is not known, almost two-thirds of those afflicted are known to have had infection symptoms during the six weeks leading up to the condition. These could be a stomach infection or respiratory infections including COVID-19 or even the Zika virus.

What are the known symptoms of GBS?

The disease very often manifests with a tingling sensation and weakness starting in the feet and legs and then affecting the upper body and arms. Some common symptoms include:

# Weakness in the legs spreading to upper body
# Unsteady gait, inability to climb stairs
# Trouble with facial movement, including speaking or chewing
# Double vision or inability to move the eyes
# Severe shooting pain or cramps, worse at night
# Elevated heart rate
# Low or high BP
# Respiratory issues

What causes GBS?

The exact cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome is not known, although it often manifests shortly after a digestive or respiratory infection. A surgery or vaccination is also known to trigger GBS. The known triggers are:

# Bacterial infection with Campylobacter Jejuni and several viral infections
# Influenza virus
# Cytomegalovirus
# Epstein-Barr virus
# Zika virus
# Hepatitis A, B, C and E
# HIV virus
# Mycoplasma pneumonia
# Surgery or trauma
# Hodgkin lymphoma
# In rare cases, a childhood vaccination
# COVID-19 virus

GBS diagnosed?

How is GBS diagnosed?

Guillain-Barre syndrome is difficult to diagnose in the nascent stage. The doctor may advise:

# Spinal tap: A little fluid is extracted from the spinal canal in the lower back and tested for a change indicative of GBS
# Electromyography: Nerve activity is measured through thin needles inserted into the muscles
# Nerve conductivity tests: The speed of nerve signals is measured by a small electric shock passed through the nerve

What treatment is used for GBS?

While there’s no cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome, doctors use a couple of methods to speed up recovery and to reduce symptoms. These are:

# Plasma exchange: Also known as plasmapheresis, plasma is removed and separated from the blood cells and then blood cells are reintroduced into the body, which results in a gain in plasma volume. Plasmapheresis often works by removing certain antibodies from plasma which are responsible for the immune system attacking peripheral nerves.
# Immunoglobulin therapy: In this method, immunoglobulin containing healthy antibodies from blood donors is intravenously injected. High immunoglobulin doses are known to block rogue antibodies contributing to GBS.
The doctor could also prescribe medicines to relieve severe pain or prevent blood clots which often develop if the patient doesn’t move about.

Patient care may include:

# Movement of limbs aided by caregivers to strengthen muscles and keep those flexible
# Physical therapy during recovery to help regain strength and mobility
# Training with adaptive contraptions like braces or a wheelchair to improve mobility and self-care skills