Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) in brief

A uncommon autoimmune disease called Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) damages the peripheral nerve system, leading to muscle weakness, loss of reflexes, and sometimes paralysis. GBS is caused by the immune system attacking nerve cells by mistake, which interferes with brain-muscle communication, according to Dr. Sameer Gupta, Director & Head of Neurology at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital in Faridabad.

Although the precise aetiology is uncertain, GBS frequently results from an aberrant immune response brought on by a bacterial or viral infection. Demyelination and nerve injury result from the immune system attacking the myelin sheath and, occasionally, the axons. This impairs the transmission of nerve signals, which causes gradual muscle weakness that usually begins in the legs and progresses upward. Respiratory muscles may be impacted in extreme situations, necessitating ventilatory support.

 

Overview: Causes, Impacts, and Management of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

An autoimmune condition called Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) interferes with nerve transmission, resulting in nerve conduction loss and flaccid paralysis. The myelin sheath is attacked by the immune system, which stops motor neurones from sending impulses to muscles. Recovery is feasible, though, because GBS does not result in irreversible nerve damage like spinal cord injuries do.

Can GBS be reversed?
Although it may take weeks or months to heal, GBS is usually reversible. Dr. Sameer Gupta states that the following are possible therapeutic options:

Plasmapheresis (Plasma Exchange):** Prevents damage to nerves by eliminating dangerous antibodies.
Healthy antibodies are provided by intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which helps to fend off the immunological attack.
Pain management, physical therapy, and ventilator support, if necessary, are all included in supportive care.

The majority of individuals make a full recovery, however some may have persistent.

 

Seven people have died.

On January 27, the first GBS-related death was documented in Solapur. After suffering from acute digestive trouble, the 41-year-old chartered accountant, who worked in Pune, had gone to his hometown. His relatives told him that he was taking medicine for the diarrhoea he experienced on January 9. He took some medicine to feel well, and then he and his family headed back to their hometown. The respite was brief, though, as on January 17 he started to feel weak once more. A day later, he was sent to the hospital. Before being moved to the main ward, the deceased spent almost six days in the intensive care unit. But as his health worsened, he passed away on January 25.

 

 

 

Source of the images from various journals