{"id":6454,"date":"2019-05-07T03:01:35","date_gmt":"2019-05-07T03:01:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=6454"},"modified":"2021-05-04T15:53:03","modified_gmt":"2021-05-04T15:53:03","slug":"14-things-to-know-about-guillain-barre-syndrome-gbs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/14-things-to-know-about-guillain-barre-syndrome-gbs\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Things to Know About Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a neurological disorder where the immune system of the body will attack part of the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system consists of the network of nerves that are located in the spinal cord and in the brain. Guillain Barre Syndrome can be very mild with brief weaknesses occurring or it can be quite severe and cause devastating paralysis and leave a person unable to breathe on their own. The good news is that even with the most severe cases of Guillain Barre Syndrome most people will recover. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, after recovering some people will still have some degree of weakness. Anyone can be affected by Guillain Barre Syndrome. It is most frequent in adults and older individuals but can strike at any age. Both males and females are more prone to the disorder. It is estimated that about one out of every 100,000 people is affected by GBS each year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Causes of GBS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It is not known what exactly causes a person to develop Guillain Barre Syndrome. People who have researched the disease do not know why it will strike some people and not strike others. It is not inherited and it is not contagious. What is known about the disease is that the person who is infected will have an immune system<\/a> that attacks their own body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is thought in some cases that this initial immune attack is started as a way to fight infection and that there are some chemicals on the bacteria and viruses that may resemble those found on the nerve cells. This then can become the target of the attack. Typically, the immune system will use antibodies to protect the body from infectious microorganisms. With Guillain Barre Syndrome, the immune system will attack the healthy nerves of the body instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. How it Starts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In most cases of Guillain Barre Syndrome, the issue will start within a few days or possibly several weeks after a person has had a gastrointestinal or respiratory viral infection. It is possible that the virus remains in the body and then causes the body to attack its own nervous system as it is trying to get rid of the virus<\/a>. There are times when a person will have surgery and this will trigger the syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In very rare cases, a person who receives a vaccination may have an increase in the risk of developing Guillain Barre Syndrome. In recent times it has been reported that in some countries throughout the world there has been an increase in the number of people who develop Guillain Barre Syndrome after they have been infected by the Zika virus. The person infected will experience a number of symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Muscle Weakness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The first symptoms of Guillain barre syndrome include unexplained sensations. This includes tingling in the hands and feet. Some people even experience pain that may start in the back or down the legs. Children may also show symptoms of it being difficult to walk, they may even refuse to walk. These first symptoms often will disappear before more major and longer-term symptoms start to appear. One of the major symptoms that may occur is a weakness <\/a>on each side of the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a major symptom that typically will prompt a person to seek out medical attention.  The weakness may appear as it being difficult to walk or to climb stairs. Often the symptoms will affect the arms, the face, and the breathing muscles. This reflects widespread nerve damage. Sometimes the symptoms will start in the upper body and then move down towards the legs and the feet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Other Symptoms of GBS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In addition to a person experiencing weakness of the muscles, there are several other symptoms that a person suffering from GBS may experience as well. Some people will notice vision issues and weakness of the eye muscles. They may also experience difficulty chewing, speaking, and swallowing. A person may also experience severe pain, typically this will occur during the night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coordination problems along with overall unsteadiness are also common symptoms of this condition. GBS can also cause a person to experience a host of other health issues such as an abnormal heartbeat or high blood pressure<\/a>, and problems with digestion. It can also cause a person to lose control of their bladder. All of these symptoms can become more intense with time. It can take days, weeks, or just hours and may cause certain muscles to not be able to be used at all. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. What Happens During GBS?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to the body the nerves within it are like the wires inside of a house. There is a conduction core located in the nerves <\/a>that are called the axon. The axon carries an electric signal. The axons are surrounded by a special covering that is called myelin. This is like insulation. The myelin sheath that surrounds the axon will speed up the transmission of the nerve signals. It also allows for the signals to be transmitted over longer distances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a person is suffering from Guillain barre syndrome these signals can be interrupted. This means that the axons are unable to send the proper signals to the different areas of the body. When the areas of the body are not receiving the signals from the nerves they are unable to function the way that they should. The nerves are important for the entire way that the body functions, which why GBS can be so serious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Weakness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The weakness that is caused by GBS is important to discuss because it can be quite severe. When we move a signal from the brain goes through the spinal cord to the nerves along with the muscles along the arms, legs, and other areas of the body. In most cases of Guillain barre syndrome, the myelin sheath that surrounds the axons <\/a>is attacked. The axons might be damaged as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of this attack, the nerves will not transmit the proper signals and the muscles cannot respond to the commands of the brain. This causes areas of the body to become weak. If you are experiencing muscle weakness it is important to make sure that you discuss this with your doctor as it is a very serious symptom and the sooner treatment can be started the better the chances of a full recovery. This symptom can be scary as you do not know when it is going to hit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. When Symptoms Occur<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Typically, when a person has Guillain barre syndrome the symptoms are going to come on quite quickly. Most of the time the weakness that is caused by the condition will come on quite fast and then will get worse over a few hours or days. Since the nerves are damaged by GBS the sensations a person experiences may change as well. The brain <\/a>is likely to receive sensory signals that are abnormal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can result in sensations that are spontaneous and unexplained. This is referred to as paresthesias. This can be in the form of tingling or a sense that there are insects crawling on the skin. Deep muscular pain may also be experienced throughout the legs and in the back. These symptoms can range from being quite mild to very severe. Even in mild cases, treatment needs to be sought so that further damage to the nerves does not occur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Disorders Related to Guillain Barre Syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

GBS is one of several types of disorder that cause weakness because of damage to the peripheral nerves. Guillain Barre Syndrome will come on quickly over a few days to weeks and a person will typically recover from it. Other disorders will develop more slowly and can either recur or linger. Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy is the most common form of GBS in the United States. In this type of GBS, the myelin coating is damaged and this interferes with nerve signals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other types of Guillain Barre Syndrome are Acute Motor Sensory Axonal Neuropathy<\/a> and Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy, the axons will be damaged by the response of the immune system. Some related nerve disorders include multifocal motor neuropathy and CIDP. Another rare, but nerve disease that is a variant of Guillain Barre is Miller Fisher syndrome. Most people who develop this have a unique antibody, which is what characterizes the disorder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. Types of GBS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Medical experts were under the initial impression that GBS was a single disorder. However, recent research shows that GBS comes in different formats. The extent of the symptoms and their duration depend on what type the patient incurs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All forms of the condition affect the peripheral nervous system, with patients experiencing sensations of weakness <\/a>in the limbs. Here are the types of GBS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This type is the most common form of the disorder found in Americans. This form of the condition starts with weakness in the lower limbs, spreading upward toward the abdomen, chest, and arms. Most patients that receive immediate care for the disorder will make a full recovery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This form of GBS starts with issues affecting the eyes. Patients may begin to experience vision problems, and they may also develop changes in their posture and gait. This form of GBS is more common in Asia, affecting about 1 in 5 of every GBS patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy, (AMSAN,) and Acute motor axonal neuropathy, (AMAN,) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These types of GBS are less common in the United States, and most reported cases come out of Mexico, China, and Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. Diagnosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Doctors may struggle to identify GBS symptoms in the early stages of the disorder. However, as time passes, the condition becomes more pronounced, providing physicians with additional clues of GBS to help them confirm their diagnosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The signs and symptoms of the disease vary in person to person, causing doctors to misdiagnose <\/a>the condition unless they have previous experience in patients who are suffering from the disease. As a result, the diagnosis period may take anywhere up to a few weeks before the doctor isolates what\u2019s happening to the patient, and diagnoses them with GBS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the consultation, your physician takes a complete family and medical history from the patient, as well as blood work to determine any physical markers that are out of order. In some cases, the doctor may order a spinal tap, (lumbar punch,) in an attempt to confirm their diagnosis. The spinal fluid gives clues about the changes made by GBS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11. Treatment and Recovery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, there is no cure available for treating patients with GBS. However, doctors can assist a patient\u2019s recovery using one of two strategies to accelerate the healing process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Immunoglobulin therapy \u2013 This treatment uses the intravenous introduction of healthy antibodies <\/a>and white blood cells from a donor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plasma exchange, (plasmapheresis) \u2013 Doctors run your blood through a machine that removes the plasma from blood cells. The device then reintroduces the blood cells back into the body, where cause an increase in plasma production to replace what the machine removes. The treatment eliminates pathogens and toxins from the blood that may be responsible for causing the condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While some patients may take years to recover from the disease, most patients will start to feel their symptoms lift after 6-months. It takes around a year for the patient to regain their muscular strength, and they may require the assistance of a physiotherapist to recover fully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12. Risk Factors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

GBS can affect anyone at any age and from both sexes. The disease does not discriminate against race or culture, and everyone is at risk of developing this condition if they allow the right risk factors to line up. Some of the risk factors you need to watch out for that may lead to the development of GBS include;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    Males are at higher risk of developing GBS than females.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    Young adults are the most significant risk group for the syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specific triggers may set off the onset of GBS in certain individuals. A list of known triggers for the condition include;<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    Infection with campylobacter bacteria found in undercooked chicken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    Infection with the flu virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    Infection with the Epstein-Barr Virus, cytomegalovirus, or Zika virus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Any hepatitis <\/a>infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    People who are living with HIV are at higher risk of developing GBS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022    Vaccinations and surgery may also cause the development of the condition in children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

13. Complications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

GBS may cause numerous health complications if left untreated and unmanaged. Since the syndrome affects the peripheral nerves, the patient may lose control of some of their body actions, resulting in severe complications that could have the potential to be life-threatening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some patients may lose the ability to control their breathing. In this case, the patient requires the use of a ventilator to help them breathe, or they will perish as they cannot breathe on their own. Up to 30-percent of all patients diagnosed with the syndrome need respiratory support during the peak of the syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While most people make a full recovery from the effects of GBS, some patients may find that they experience lingering numbness and weakness for months or years afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, patients may develop issues with blood pressure and heart function. The heart may beat irregularly, and the patient may experience palpitations<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pain affects up to half of all patients with GBS. Nerve pain is incredibly challenging to endure and requires treatment with pharmaceutical drugs to provide the patient with some relief. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

14. When to Call a Physician<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The onset of GBS may be subtle at first. However, as time passes, the symptoms quickly start to manifest until they reach a peak. If you notice any signs of numbness or weakness in your toes or fingers, it\u2019s best to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The condition often starts with a tingling <\/a>sensation in the fingertips or toes that feels like you have kept them in cold water for too long. If the tingling sensations begin to spread up your arms or legs, then visit your doctor as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some patients may find that they suddenly develop fatigue and symptoms of shortness of breath during physical exertion, such as walking up a flight of stairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Due to the effect of the syndrome on the throat muscles, the patient may find that they have trouble swallowing, or they may wake up at night choking on their saliva.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

<\/div>