How Does Guillain-Barre Syndrome Start? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment!

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare and serious illness that can cause damage to your nerves. This condition may lead to weakness, pain, and numbness in your hands, legs, and other parts of your body.

What causes Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Guillain-Barré Syndrome happens when our immune system mistakenly attacks our own nerves, causing significant damage to them. It usually starts after infections like the flu or food poisoning. In some cases, this syndrome can also start after vaccinations or surgeries.

What are the symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

The symptoms of this condition usually begin in the hands and legs and include:

• Pain in the hands and legs
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and legs
• Weakness in the muscles
• Difficulty with balance and coordination

These symptoms can gradually spread to other parts of the body. In severe cases, it may become hard to speak, walk, breathe, or even swallow.

How is Guillain-Barré Syndrome treated?

To treat Guillain-Barré Syndrome, doctors may use treatments like IV Immunoglobulin (IVIG) and Plasma Exchange.

• IV Immunoglobulin (IVIG) helps control the immune system, and Plasma Exchange helps remove toxins from the blood.

Along with these, doctors also manage symptoms to reduce pain and help with breathing.

To help a person regain their strength, Physiotherapy is used. This therapy strengthens the muscles and helps the body recover.

It may take months or even a year to fully recover from this illness. But with proper treatment and therapy, it is possible to make a full recovery.

If you or someone you know is showing symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, don’t wait—consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Source:- 1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15838-guillain-barre-syndrome 

2. https://www.webmd.com/brain/what-is-guillain-barre 

3. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/guillain-barre-syndrome/ 

4. https://111.wales.nhs.uk/GuillainBarresyndrome/?locale=en 

5. https://www.alderhey.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/GBS-Clinical-Guideline-draft-15.1.24ag.pdf