Guillain-Barré syndrome is an autoimmune disease that causes muscle weakness and tingling sensations in various parts of the body. In some cases, it can cause paralysis and even lead to death. What are the causes and symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome? What is the treatment of a sick person? Can rehabilitation restore full fitness?

Guillain-Barré syndromeis an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks parts of the peripheral nervous system. Its symptoms can appear at any age. According to research, the disease affects men more often (about 1.7 times).

Guillain-Barré syndrome: causes

It has not yet been established why the immune system, specifically the white blood cells (lymphocytes), attacks the protective sheath of the nerves, called myelin, damaging them.

Brazilian doctors suspect that Guillain-Barry syndrome may also appear as a complication of Zika virus infection. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Disease Control Center (CDC) says the Zika virus has not yet been shown to be directly related to Guillain-Barre syndrome, but the suspicion is very serious. So far, only an increase in the incidence of this virus has been reported in the regions where the highest number of cases of infection with this virus has been detected .

It is supposed, however, that the appearance of the disease symptoms is influenced by viral and bacterial infections - most often the upper respiratory tract or the stomach and intestines.

According to scientists, microorganisms that may contribute to the onset of the disease include, among others, bacteriumCampylobacter jejuni , which causes symptoms similar to food poisoning, bacteriaMycoplasma pneumoniae(often causing pneumonia) or virusEpstein- Barr(EBV), which gives you flu-like symptoms.

Surgery or vaccinations are factors that may increase your risk of disease.

Guillain-Barré syndrome: symptoms

The firstsymptoms of Guillain-Barré syndromeare paraesthesia, which is numbness or tingling in the limbs. There is also muscle weakness - first of the lower limbs, then the muscles of the upper limbs andthe torso. The patient also complains of muscle pains. The facial nerve may also be paralyzed. As a consequence, problems with speaking, chewing and swallowing arise. These disorders can develop over hours or days or even 3 to 4 weeks.

Guillain-Barré syndrome: diagnosis

If Guillain-Barré syndrome is suspected, a lumbar puncture is performed to collect the cerebrospinal fluid and a nerve conduction test (assessment of peripheral nerves) is performed.

Guillain-Barré syndrome: treatment

The patient usually requires hospitalization and medical observation.

The treatment involves immunomodulating therapy, which consists of:

  • plasma exchange - blood is taken from the body, then harmful antibodies contained in it are removed. The purified blood is then transferred to the patient's body
  • intravenous infusion of human immunoglobulin (antibodies are added to the blood)
  • In some cases, a respirator may be needed if the breathing muscles are weakened

In hospital treatment, prophylactic measures are very important, protecting the patient against possible complications related to prolonged bed rest (deep vein thrombosis, bedsores, infections).

Guillain-Barré syndrome: rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is essential in getting back into shape - regular exercise to strengthen weakened muscles. Physical therapy in the form of electrostimulation of the muscles of the lower extremities may also be helpful. It is also worth trying the whirlpool massage.

Guillain-Barré syndrome: prognosis

The prognosis and the pace of recovery depend on the severity of the disease and the general condition of the patient. About 75 percent of patients return to full fitness, and symptoms such as tingling in the extremities and muscle weakness may persist in about 20 percent after the end of treatment. Approx. 5 percent of the sick die.

Source: Siemiński M.,Immunoglobulins in the treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome , "Polski Przegląd Neurologiczny" 2012, No. 8

Category:

Neurology