- What is Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks
healthy nerve cells in peripheral nervous system (PNS).
2.What are the causes of Guillain-Barré syndrome?
The exact cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome is unknown. But it is often preceded by
an infectious illness such as a respiratory infection or gastroenteritis .
There are multiple types of Guillain-Barré, but the most common form is acute inflammatory
demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP).
Different types of Guillain–Barré syndrome feature different types of immune attack.
The demyelinating variant features damage to the myelin sheath by white blood cells
this process is preceded by activation of a group of blood proteins known as complement.
03.what are the infections which causes of Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Most commonly, infection with campylobacter, a type of bacteria often found in undercooked poultry
Influenza virus
Cytomegalovirus
Epstein-Barr virus
Zika virus
Hepatitis A, B, C and E
HIV, the virus that causes AIDS
Mycoplasma pneumonia
04.What are the commen sub types of Guillain-Barré syndrome?
1.Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP)
It is the most common form . The most common sign of AIDP is muscle weakness that starts in the lower part of your
body and spreads upward.
2.Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS)
paralysis starts in the eyes. MFS is also associated with unsteady gait.
MFS occurs in about 5 percent of people with Guillain-Barré syndrome . but is more common in Asia.
3.Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN) and acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN)
5.What are the common symptoms of Guillain-Barré syndrome?
Guillain-Barre syndrome often begins with tingling and weakness starting in feet
and legs and spreading to your upper body and arms.
Prickling, pins and needles sensations in fingers, toes, ankles or wrists
Weakness in your legs that spreads to your upper body
Unsteady walking
Difficulty with eye or facial movements, including speaking, chewing or swallowing
Severe lower back pain that may feel achy or cramplike and may be worse at night
Loss of bladder control
Rapid heart rate
Low or high blood pressure
The symptoms can progress very rapidly.the disease can become serious even in few hours.
- How is it diagnosed?
Your doctor will make the diagnosis based on the clinical history and examination .
The following tests are used to help confirm a diagnosis
Lumber puncture
Electromyography
Nerve conduction tests
- How is it treated?
Guillain-Barré is an autoimmune inflammatory process that’s self-limiting, meaning it will resolve on its own.
But patients with this condition should be admitted to a hospital for close observation.
The symptoms can quickly worsen and can be fatal if untreated.
In severe cases, people with Guillain-Barré can develop full-body paralysis
Guillain-Barré can be life-threatening if paralysis affects the diaphragm or chest muscles.
Aim of treatment is to lessen the severity of the immune attack and support body functions.
eg:lung functions-may need ventilator support
1.Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange)- to remove the antibodies attacking the nerves from your blood.
2.Intravenous immunoglobulin-High doses of immunoglobulin help to block the antibodies causing Guillain-Barré.
Plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin are equally effective as a treatment.
08.What are the potential complications of Guillain-Barré syndrome?
difficulty breathing when the paralysis or weakness spreads to muscles that control breathing.
Residual weakness, numbness, or other odd sensations even after recovery
heart or blood pressure problems
pain-severe nerve pain
slow bowel or bladder function
deep vein thombosis
bedsores
08.What are the factors that may lead to a worse outcome following Guillain-Barré syndrome?
advanced age
severe or rapidly progressing illness
delay of treatment, which can result in more nerve damage
prolonged use of a ventilator, which can predispose you to pneumonia