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Introducing Guillain-Barre syndrome -

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its own nerves.

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First symptoms -

The first symptoms to present are usually weakness and tingling in the hands and feet. This can then spread quickly to paralyze the whole body.

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Hospitalization -

At its most severe, Guillain-Barre syndrome is considered a medical emergency, and most people with the condition must be hospitalized while they receive treatment.

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Full recovery possible - That said, most people diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome do make a full recovery. The time taken to recover does vary from person to person, however.

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Feet and legs - As previously mentioned, Guillain-Barre syndrome usually starts with tingling and weakness in the feet and legs, which then spreads to the upper body and arms.

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Arms and face -

In some patients, the weakness presents first in the arms or face, rather than in the feet and legs. No matter where it starts, muscle weakness usually leads to paralysis.

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Problems climbing stairs -

Guillain-Barre patients may notice first that they are unsteady walking, or they have difficulty climbing stairs.

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Face and eyes -

They may have trouble with facial movements, such as speaking, chewing, or swallowing, and they may struggle to move their eyes or experience double vision.

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Pain -

People with Guillain-Barre syndrome may also experience severe pain that gets worse at night. The pain could be achy, shooting, or cramp-like.

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Further symptoms -

Further symptoms of this condition include difficulty with bladder control or bowel function, rapid heart rate, low or high blood pressure, and difficulty breathing.

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Variations of Guillain-Barre -

There are several different forms of Guillain-Barre. The most common in North America and Europe is acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP).

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AIDP -

With AIDP, the most common first symptom is muscle weakness that begins in the lower body and spreads upwards.

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MFS - Another variation is Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS). MFS is less common in the US, but more common in Asia. With this variation, paralysis starts in the eyes.

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Serious but treatable -

Although it is treatable, Guillain-Barre syndrome is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention, because it can worsen very quickly.

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Catching it early -

The sooner treatment is started, the more likely there is a positive outcome. It is therefore important to recognize the early signs of this condition and when to seek medical attention.

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When to seek emergency medical attention -

It is important to seek emergency medical attention if you or someone you know has tingling or weakness that started in the toes and feet and is now spreading upwards.

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When to seek emergency medical attention - Other symptoms that require emergency medical attention include general tingling or weakness that is spreading rapidly, difficulty catching your breath or shortness of breath when lying flat, and choking on saliva.

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Non-urgent medical attention - If you have mild tingling in your fingers or toes that does not seem to be getting worse, it is still a good idea to contact a doctor, but emergency aid is not necessarily needed.

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Causes -

Doctors are not sure exactly what causes Guillain-Barre syndrome, but they do know that the symptoms tend to appear in the days or weeks after a respiratory or digestive tract infection.

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Triggers -

In rare cases, Guillain-Barre syndrome has been triggered by recent surgery or vaccination. There have also been cases reported after infection with the Zika virus.

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Risk groups -

Guillain-Barre syndrome can affect people of all ages, but your risk of developing the condition increases as you grow older. It is slightly more common in males than in females.

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Complications -

Because Guillain-Barre syndrome affects our nerves, and the nerves are responsible for controlling movements and bodily functions, there are several possible complications of this condition.

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Breathing difficulties -

Some of those complications, such as breathing difficulties caused by paralysis of the muscles that control breathing, are very serious, even potentially fatal.

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Breathing difficulties -

Indeed, up to 22% of people with Guillain-Barre syndrome need a machine to help them breathe within the first week of being hospitalized for treatment.

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Blood clots - Other potential complications include residual numbness or tingling, heart and blood pressure problems, nerve pain, and blood clots.

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Blood clots -

Blood clots tend to affect Guillain-Barre patients who are immobile due to their condition. Doctors may recommend blood thinners or support stockings until the patient is able to walk independently.

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Relapse -

Although most people recover fully from Guillain-Barre syndrome, a small percentage do relapse and experience muscle weakness years after symptoms have ended.

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Serious but treatable -

The onset of Guillain-Barre symptoms can be very scary, but it is important to remember this condition is treatable, especially if it is caught early.

Sources: (Mayo Clinic)

See also: All about ITP, the autoimmune disease affecting adults and children alike

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