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A Deep-dive into Guillian-Barre Syndrome- What You Should Know

A Deep-dive into Guillian-Barre Syndrome- What You Should Know

Imagine going about your daily chores and suddenly feeling tingling in your legs. You brush it aside thinking it to be not very serious but then that tingling sensation gradually moves up your arms and suddenly you find it difficult to perform basic movements.

This is what a person who suffers from Guillian Barre syndrome(GB Syndrome) experiences. It is their immune system attacking the nerves of their body leading to weakness, numbness, and later even paralysis.

The condition has various forms.

1. Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), starts in the lower part of the body and spreads upward.
2. Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), affects the eyes and causes an unstable walk.

Although the incidence of GB Syndrome is 1-2 cases per 100,000 people with men being more affected than women, the number of cases has been reported to have increased following the influenza vaccine, after a respiratory or digestive tract infection, trauma, surgery, and COVID-19.

The triggers are bacteria ( Campylobacter) found in undercooked poultry, multiple viruses, and hepatitis A, B, C and E

Let’s understand a little bit more about this mysterious condition, including the symptoms, treatment options, and most importantly the most effective recovery process.

Signs and symptoms of Guillian-Barre Syndrome

The first indication of the condition is tingling in the legs which spreads to the arms and face. Some people experience weakness first in the arms or face too.

According to experts, these are the most common symptoms of the condition and the weakness is experienced around two weeks after the symptoms begin.

1. Pins and needles sensation in the fingers, toes, ankles, or wrists.
2. Weakness in the legs which gradually moves to the upper body.
3. Unstable walking and difficulty climbing stairs.
4. Challenges in speaking, swallowing, and chewing.
5. Blurred vision and issues with eye movement.
6. Severe body aches and pain at night.
7. Reduced bladder control or bowel function.
8. Increased heart rate.
9. Abnormal blood pressure.
10. Breathing issues.

Manjula Prasad a teacher from Bengaluru lost sensation in both her limbs and had to be admitted to the hospital for a couple of months for treatment. Hence doctors insist people seek medical attention immediately if they feel that the tingling that has started in their feet or toes and the weakness is quickly spreading towards the upper body. And if they have difficulty breathing or choking on their saliva.

The diagnosis

The catch here is that most neurological conditions share the same symptoms as GB Syndrome and therefore doctors insist on a thorough physical evaluation of the symptoms and very specific neurological tests to rule out other conditions and confirm the syndrome.

1. Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction tests evaluate the health and function of the skeletal muscles and the nerves that control them.
2. Spinal tap (lumbar puncture) to check the white blood cell amount and the protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid.
3. Imaging test to get a better view of the spine.

Treating GB Syndrome most effectively 

There is no cure for the condition, however, the right treatment and rehabilitation can reduce the severity and speed up the recovery process.

The treatment consists of plasma exchange which involves separating the plasma from the blood, treating it to filter the antibodies that attack the nerves, and returning it to the body.

Immunoglobulins are also injected into the body to weaken the immune system’s attack on the body’s nerves. The treatment according to doctors should begin within two weeks of developing the symptoms.

Along with the primary treatment, the person also receives respiratory care, blood clot prevention, and tube feeding along with IV fluids if required.

The above-mentioned treatment modules help the condition from worsening and prevent complications. However, an important aspect of recovery is rebuilding strength in the muscles, restoring normal body functionality, and giving back the person their independence.

This is where rehabilitation steps in.

The program includes working with an experienced and specialized team of physical, occupational, and speech therapists who work on enhancing body movement and managing symptoms like pain, and body stiffness, they help improve the ability to perform daily tasks like standing, sitting, and using tools in the day to day life. They also help in improving skills like chewing and swallowing that get hampered due to weakness in the throat and mouth muscles. The therapy also includes help with using assistive devices such as canes, braces, walkers, and wheelchairs to help decrease fatigue.

Sukino offers advanced and specialized rehabilitation methods for GB Syndrome tailored to the unique requirements of every individual addressing the areas of the body affected by the neurological condition. The comprehensive rehabilitation programs are supervised by a team of highly experienced and skilled physicians and executed by skilled therapists. What is most differential is that the program not only focuses on physical health but also ensures that the person receives the required support and motivation throughout the difficult period to enhance their mental wellness and experience optimum recovery.