The illness, which leads the body’s immune system to attack the nerves, can sometimes also cause paralysis.
Peru has declared a 90-day national state of emergency after there was a spike in cases of a rare neurological disorder called Guillain-Barre syndrome in the country.
The illness, which leads the body’s immune system to attack the nerves, can sometimes also cause paralysis, reported agency Xinhua.
WHAT IS GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME?
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare, autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves. This attack on the nerves can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling, which usually start in the legs and spread upwards.
In severe cases, this can progress to paralysis. The syndrome is more common in adults and males, but it can affect people of all ages.
Although the exact cause of GBS is unknown, it is often triggered by infections, most commonly by a bacterium called Campylobacter jejuni.
Other triggers include influenza virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and even the COVID-19 virus. Recent surgery or vaccination can also trigger GBS, although these instances are rare.
Diagnosis of GBS is based on a patient’s symptoms and their neurologic examination. Tests such as spinal tap and electromyography may be ordered to rule out other diseases with similar symptoms and confirm the diagnosis of GBS.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME?
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the most common symptom of GBS is weakness. One can first notice weakness when climbing up the stairs or while walking.
Muscles controlling breathing can weaken to the point that you might need a machine to help you breathe. Most people experience the greatest stage of weakness within the first two weeks after symptoms appear.
Since nerves are damaged in GBS, the brain could receive abnormal sensory signals from the rest of the body. This condition is called paresthesias, and you may feel tingling, a sense of insects crawling under the skin (called formications), and pain.
Other symptoms may include:
- Difficulty with eye muscles and vision.
- Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or chewing.
- Pricking or pins and needles sensations in the hands and feet.
- Body pain can be severe, particularly at night.
- Coordination problems and unsteadiness.
- Abnormal heartbeat or blood pressure.
- Problems with digestion or bladder control.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME?
While there is no known cure for GBS, treatments are available that can reduce the severity of the illness and speed up recovery. The most commonly used treatment is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which is made from donated blood that contains healthy antibodies. This helps calm down the immune system’s attack on the nerves.
Another treatment option is plasma exchange, a procedure that filters the liquid part of your blood, removing the harmful antibodies attacking the nerves.
Most patients recover over several months, but some may continue to experience symptoms such as muscle weakness, difficulty walking, or numbness and tingling. In severe cases, patients may require a walker or wheelchair.
IS THERE A VACCINE AGAINST GBS?
No, there isn’t. Since vaccines have an effect on the immune system, immunisations may be associated with subsequent GBS.
Courtesy: IndiaToday
