Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS Disease) Definition, Symptoms, Home remedies

Table Of Content

1. Guillain-Barre Syndrome Definition
2. Guillain-Barre Syndrome Types
3. Guillain-Barre Syndrome Symptoms
4. Guillain-Barre Syndrome Reason
5. Guillain-Barre Syndrome risk factors
6. Guillain-Barre Syndrome Treatment
7. Guillain-Barre Syndrome Home remedies

What is GBS (Guillain-Barre Syndrome)?

Guillain-Barre syndrome, also known as GBS, is a rare condition caused by the immune system attacking the nervous system. This condition may inflame the nerves leading to paralysis or muscle weakness if not treated quickly.

GBS disease (Guillain-Barre syndrome) is a medical emergency. Most people with this condition must be hospitalized to receive specialized care.

According To JJ Medicine Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) | Causes, Pathophysiology, Signs & Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

How common is GBS?

GBS disease (Guillain-Barre syndrome) is relatively common and can be overcome by reducing risk factors. There is no known cure for Guillain-Barre Syndrome, but some treatments can relieve symptoms and reduce the duration of the disease.

Most people recover from Guillain-Barre syndrome, although some experience lingering effects, such as lethargy, numbness, or drowsiness. Discuss with your doctor for more information.

Types

What are the types of GBS disease?

There are many types of Guillain-Barre syndrome. The following are the most common types of GBS disease:

Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP)
Usually, the feeling of weakness starts in the lower part of the body and gradually rises to other parts of the body. This condition causes damage to myelin (the sheath of nerve cells).

Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS)
GBS (Guillain-Barre syndrome) is more common in Asia than the United States. The paralysis begins with the eye and problems walking frequently occur. This condition affects the cranial nerves (nerves sticking out of the brain).

Symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome?

Symptoms of GBS disease can appear very quickly including a person’s weakness, itching to the arms or upper body. Other symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome are:

1. Loss of hand and foot reflexes
2. Itching or weakness in the hands and feet
3. Muscle ache
4. Can’t move freely
5. Low blood pressure
6. Abnormal heartbeat
7. Blurred or crossed vision (seeing 2 pictures of 1 object)
8. Heavy breathing
9. Difficult to swallow

There may still be other symptoms not listed above. If you have questions about this sign, consult your doctor.

Most people recover fully from Guillain-Barre syndrome, although some continue to experience weakness.

When to go to the doctor?

You need to call your doctor if you feel itchy on your hands or feet and it seems to spread to other places. In addition, you need to tell your doctor if you have other symptoms such as muscle weakness or heavy breathing.

This syndrome should be treated in a hospital immediately because the symptoms will develop seriously in a very short time. Each body acts differently from one another. Always discuss with your doctor to get the best solution for your condition.

Reason

What causes GBS?

The cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is unknown. The disease often appears several days (or weeks) after a respiratory or digestive infection. Sometimes, surgery or injections can cause this syndrome.

Quoted from WHO, Zika virus infection is causing an increase in Guillain-Barre cases in affected countries. That’s why the Zika virus is considered a trigger for GBS.

Risk factors

What increases the risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome?

There are many risk factors that can cause Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), for example:

1. Age: elderly people are more at risk of developing this disease
2. Gender: men are more at risk than women
3. Other respiratory or digestive infections such as: flu, indigestion, and pneumonia
4. HIV/AIDS infection
5. Mononuclear infection
6. Lupus erythematosus
7. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
8. Post-surgery or injection

Having no risk factors doesn’t mean you can’t get this disease. These risk factors are for reference only. You need to ask your doctor for more information.

Treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult a doctor or pharmacist.

What are the treatment options for Guillain-Barre syndrome?

GBS disease is an autoimmune inflammatory process that will heal on its own. However, anyone with this condition should be treated for close monitoring. Symptoms of this disease can quickly worsen and can be fatal.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, there is no cure for GBS. However, several types of Guillain-Barre syndrome can be treated to prevent complications, reduce symptoms and speed healing.

In the early stages of the disease, doctors use therapy to separate antibodies from plasma, and prescribe high doses of immunoglobulins.

1. Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis): In therapy that separates antibodies from plasma, red blood cells and white blood cells are separated from plasma. After that, blood cells without plasma will return to the body.
2. Immunoglobulin therapy: In high-dose immunoglobulins, doctors inject immunoglobulin proteins (substances that are useful for attacking foreign objects) into a blood vessel

In addition, several treatments for GBS (Guillain-Barre syndrome) that you can use, include:

1. Blood thinners
2. Using breathing apparatus
3. Pain reliever
4. Physiotherapy

People with GBS need help and physical therapy before and after recovery. Such therapy may include:

1. Move your arms and legs by therapy before recovery, to help muscle flexibility and strength.
2. Physical therapy during recovery to help you deal with fatigue and regain strength.
3. Training with devices, such as wheelchairs or braces, to help you move.

Recovery from Guillain-Barre syndrome

Although some people can take months to years to recover, most people with GBS go through these stages:

1. After the first signs and symptoms, the condition tends to get worse for two weeks
2. Symptoms peak within four weeks
3. Recovery begins, usually lasting six to 12 months. However, for some it can take as long as three years.

What are the commonly used tests for this condition?

Doctors diagnose based on medical history and clinical examination. GBS disease is classified as difficult to diagnose in its early stages. This is because the signs and symptoms are similar to those of other neurological conditions.

The doctor may start the examination by looking at your medical history and physical tests. Then, your doctor may recommend:

1. Lumbar puncture: A small amount of fluid is removed from the spinal canal in your lower back. This fluid is tested for the types of changes that are common in people with GBS.
2. Electromyography: A thin needle electrode is inserted into the muscle the doctor wants to examine. Electrodes measure nerve activity in the muscles.
3. Nerve conduction studies: Electrodes are attached to the skin over your nerves. Small shocks are passed through the nerves to measure the speed of the nerve signals.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help with Guillain-Barre syndrome?

The lifestyle and home remedies below may help with Guillain-Barre syndrome:

1. Follow the doctor’s instructions, do not use the drug without a prescription or stop without the doctor’s permission
2. Schedule further examinations to control disease progression and health conditions.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to find the best solution for you.