What is Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)?
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is rare neurological disorder in which patients immune system system mistakenly attacks his peripheral nervous system which includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. This leads to muscle weakness and paralysis, which begins from legs and spreads to other body body parts.
Symptoms of GBS
Muscle Weakness: Patients feel muscle weakness & it often starts with legs, this leads to difficulty walking, climbing stairs & performing daily tasks
Pain: Patients feel sharp or cramping pain, often worsening at night. This includes back pain and muscle tenderness. [ Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) ]
Vision Problems: Some patients experience double vision or difficulty moving the eyes.
Respirator Issues: Weakness in chest muscles lead to difficulty breathing necessitating medical intervention. [ Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) ]
Causes of GBS
The exact cause of Guillain Barr’e Syndrome is unknown, its rare neurological syndrome & there are several factors and infections are commonly associated with the onset of GBS.
Infections such as viral infections, Vaccinations, some medical conditions, Surgery & Trauma can trigger the GBS. [ Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) ]
Precautions
To reduce the risk of developing Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and manage its potential triggers, several precautions can be taken:
Hand Washing: Regular handwashing is crucial specially after using restroom and before eating. [ Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) ]
Avoid Close Contacts: Limit exposure to individuals with respiratory or gastrointestinal infections. [ Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) ]
Proper Cooking: Ensure poultry and other meats are cooked thoroughly to kill harmful bacteria like Campylobacter jejuni, a common trigger of GBS.
Safe Food Handling: Practice safe food handling techniques to prevent contamination.
Clean Water Access: Ensure access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities to prevent waterborne infections linked to GBS. [ Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) ]
Apart from this be vigilant for early signs of GBS, such as sudden muscle weakness or tingling sensations, especially following an infection. Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms after a recent illness or vaccination. Adopt healthy habits including waking up early and doing regular exercise, maintain proper healthy diet which will help to boost immune system. [ Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) ]
Treatment
GBS poses serious challenges, timely treatment with IVIg or plasmapheresis, along with supportive care and rehabilitation, can significantly improve outcomes for affected individuals. [ Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) ]
