What is Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS): Symptoms, Treatment, Causes

Experts highlight that the GBS virus is neither contagious nor inherited. Early diagnosis and GBS treatment, such as immunotherapy or plasma exchange, are crucial for recovery. Globally, GBS affects about 1 in 100,000 people annually.

This blog will provide information about Guillain-Barré Syndrome, or GBS, GBS causes, GBS symptoms, and treatment.

What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Guillain-Barré Syndrome aka GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder. The peripheral nerves get attacked by the immune system.  The immune response damages the myelin sheath, a protective coating on nerves, and disrupts signals between the brain and body. Symptoms can quickly progress to muscle weakness, numbness, or even paralysis. Most people recover fully while some may experience lasting effects like fatigue or weakness.

Types of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Different types of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) affect the body in different ways. The 4 types of Guillain-Barré Syndrome are as below:

• Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP): The most common type in North America and Europe, AIDP causes muscle weakness that starts in the lower body and gradually moves upward. It affects the myelin sheaths, which protect the nerves.
• Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS): This rare variant begins with eye muscle paralysis and can lead to balance and coordination problems. MFS is more common in Asia than in the U.S.
• Acute Motor Axonal Neuropathy (AMAN): Found more frequently in China, Japan, and Mexico, AMAN affects nerves responsible for movement, causing sudden limb weakness and, in severe cases, breathing difficulties.
• Acute Motor-Sensory Axonal Neuropathy (AMSAN): A rare and severe type, AMSAN impacts both movement and sensory nerves, leading to prolonged symptoms like numbness and weakness.

Symptoms of GBS

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) often starts suddenly and progresses quickly. The GBS symptoms usually begin with a tingling or a "pins and needles" sensation in the toes, fingers, ankles, or wrists. Weakness typically starts in the legs and spreads upward to the arms and upper body, though in some cases, it may begin in the face or arms.

Some of the common GBS symptoms include:

• Muscle weakness, results in difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
• Unsteady walking or loss of balance.
• Difficulty with facial movements, such as speaking, and swallowing.
• Vision issues, including double vision or trouble moving the eyes.
• Severe pain, often cramping, shooting, or aching, which worsens at night.
• Changes in bladder or bowel control.
• Rapid heart rate or fluctuations in blood pressure.
• Chest muscle weakness, leading to breathing difficulties.

The severity of GBS symptoms can vary, ranging from mild weakness to near-total paralysis. Most people experience their worst symptoms within two to three weeks of onset. After this peak, the condition stabilizes, and gradual recovery begins as the nerves heal.

If you notice sudden muscle weakness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek immediate medical attention, as GBS can sometimes lead to life-threatening complications.

What Causes Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?

While the exact GBS causes remain unclear, it often follows an infection, illness, or certain medical events. This immune response damages the myelin sheath, which insulates nerves, and sometimes the nerve core (axon). This ultimately disrupts signals between the brain and muscles.

Triggers for GBS:

• Infections: Common triggers include Campylobacter Jejuni (linked to foodborne illnesses), influenza, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, Zika virus, and hepatitis.
• Vaccinations: Rarely, GBS has been reported after vaccinations, though the risk is minimal.
• Surgery and Trauma: Some cases occur after surgical procedures or physical injuries.

How Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) can be diagnosed?

Diagnosing Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) involves a detailed evaluation of symptoms, medical history, and various tests. Healthcare providers typically start by asking about recent illnesses, how symptoms began, and their progression. A physical and neurological examination is conducted to check for muscle weakness and reduced or absent reflexes (hyporeflexia or areflexia).

Since GBS symptoms overlap with other neurological conditions, additional tests are often needed to confirm the diagnosis:

• Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture): A sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is taken from the lower back. Elevated protein levels with normal white blood cell counts in the CSF are indicative of GBS.
• Electromyography (EMG): Thin needle electrodes are inserted into muscles to measure nerve activity, helping detect nerve damage.
• Nerve Conduction Study: Electrodes placed on the skin measure the speed of nerve signals, revealing abnormalities.
• Imaging Tests: An MRI may be recommended to rule out other conditions.

Accurate Guillain-Barré Syndrome diagnosis ensures timely treatment and better outcomes.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) Complications

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) can cause several complications due to its effects on the nervous system. These include:

• Breathing Problems
• Heart and Blood Pressure Issues
• Pain
• Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction
• Blood Clots
• Pressure Sores

In some cases, patients may face long-term challenges like chronic pain or weakness. Relapse is possible in a small percentage of cases, even years after recovery. Early intervention can help reduce these risks.

Prevention of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is not always preventable, and researchers are still uncertain about why some individuals develop it after an illness while others do not. Some steps can reduce the risk. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is key. Here are some helpful tips:

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Avoid close contact with people who have the stomach flu or other contagious illnesses.
• Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to strengthen your immune system.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like tables, doorknobs, phones, and bathroom fixtures.
• Ensure you're up-to-date on all vaccinations.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) Treatment & Management

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) requires immediate medical care, often in an intensive care unit (ICU), to monitor for complications like breathing difficulties or blood pressure fluctuations.

While there is no known cure for GBS, treatments can reduce the severity of symptoms and promote the fastest recovery from GBS if started immediately.

Treatments:

• Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis): This process filters antibodies attacking the nerves. A machine separates plasma from the blood, replaces it with healthy fluids, and returns it to the body, encouraging the regeneration of plasma.
• Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy (IVIG): High doses of healthy antibodies from donors are administered via IV to lessen the immune system's attack on the nerves.

Both treatments are most effective when started within two weeks of symptom onset.

Additional Supportive Care:

• Pain Management: Medications for nerve pain.
• Preventing Complications: Blood thinners to avoid clots, IV fluids for hydration, and tube feeding if swallowing is impaired.
• Respiratory Support: A breathing tube may be necessary in severe cases.

Recovery and Rehabilitation:

During recovery, therapies like physical, occupational, and speech therapy help restore strength, mobility, and daily function.

With early and effective treatment, many individuals achieve the fastest recovery from GBS.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) Life Expectancy

Most people who recover from Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) go on to live a normal life expectancy. Death from GBS is rare which is less than 2% of cases during the acute phase when symptoms are most severe.

When deaths do occur, they are often caused by complications such as:

• Pneumonia.
• Severe infections like sepsis.
• Breathing difficulties, including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
• Blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
• Cardiac arrest.

In most cases, these complications can be greatly reduced with timely medical care and proper management, allowing most people to recover and lead a healthy life.

To know more about the latest healthcare industry updates, visit Docthub

FAQs

1. What is Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) Virus?

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease in which nerves get attacked by the immune system of the body.

2. How do you know if GBS is positive?

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is diagnosed through symptoms like muscle weakness and reflex loss. It can be confirmed positive by tests such as nerve conduction studies, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and evaluation of recent infections or triggers.

3. What is the Main Cause of GBS?

The exact cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is unknown; the condition often follows a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection, suggesting that the immune system responds to these infections.

4. What is the Prognosis of GBS?

The prognosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is generally positive. Most people recover fully or with minimal long-term effects, although recovery can take weeks to years depending on the severity.

5 . What should I avoid with GBS?

People with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) should avoid overexertion, infections, and activities that can worsen fatigue or strain the muscles during recovery.