Gs

Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Weakness, tingling, paralysis
Complications	N/A
Onset	Rapid
Duration	Weeks to months
Types	N/A
Causes	Autoimmune
Risks	Recent infection
Diagnosis	Clinical, nerve conduction studies
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Supportive care, plasmapheresis, IVIG
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	1-2 per 100,000 per year
Deaths	N/A

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks part of its peripheral nervous system. The syndrome can affect the nerves that control muscle movement as well as those that transmit pain, temperature, and touch sensations.

Signs and Symptoms

The hallmark of Guillain-Barré Syndrome is muscle weakness that begins in the lower extremities and ascends upwards. Initial symptoms often include:

• Tingling and weakness starting in the feet and legs and spreading to the upper body and arms.
• In severe cases, paralysis can occur.
• Difficulty with eye muscles and vision.
• Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or chewing.
• Pricking or "pins and needles" sensations in the hands and feet.
• Severe pain, particularly at night.
• Problems with bladder control or bowel function.
• Rapid heart rate.
• Low or high blood pressure.

Causes

The exact cause of Guillain-Barré Syndrome is unknown, but it is often preceded by an infectious illness such as a respiratory infection or the stomach flu. In some cases, GBS has been associated with:

• Campylobacter jejuni infection
• Cytomegalovirus
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Mycoplasma pneumoniae
• Zika virus

Pathophysiology

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. In GBS, the immune system attacks the myelin sheath covering the nerves, which results in nerve inflammation and damage. This damage prevents nerves from transmitting signals to the brain, leading to muscle weakness and paralysis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Guillain-Barré Syndrome is primarily clinical, based on the patient's symptoms and physical examination. Key diagnostic tests include:

• Lumbar puncture: Elevated protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid without an increase in cell count.
• Nerve conduction studies: Slowed nerve conduction velocities.
• Electromyography (EMG): To assess the electrical activity of muscles.

Treatment

There is no cure for Guillain-Barré Syndrome, but several treatments can ease symptoms and reduce the duration of the illness:

• Plasmapheresis: A procedure that removes antibodies from the blood.
• Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG): High doses of immunoglobulin can block the damaging antibodies.
• Supportive care: Includes monitoring of breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, as well as physical therapy to help regain strength and movement.

Prognosis

The prognosis for Guillain-Barré Syndrome varies. Most patients recover fully, although some may experience lingering weakness, numbness, or fatigue. Recovery can take weeks to months, and in some cases, years. Early treatment is crucial to improve outcomes.

Epidemiology

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is rare, affecting about 1-2 people per 100,000 each year. It can occur at any age, but it is more common in adults and males.

See Also

• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
• Miller Fisher syndrome
• Autoimmune diseases

External Links

• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke