Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

• Written by Nidhi Goyal

  Reviewed by Rashmi Rai

• favorite0Like

  favoriteBe the First to Like

  • content_copy Copy Link Copied! Share on Facebook Share on Linkedin Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp

  ios_shareShare

Imagine: 

A developed country has a well-organised military, equipped armed forces, and millions of soldiers. Due to altercations within, the soldiers get upset with the government and decide to attack it. 

A house’s worst enemy is from within now. How would the country be able to defend itself from its military? 

What if the same happens inside a human body? 

It does. The Gullian-Barre Syndrome creates the same problem in our bodies. 

What is GBS?

GBS's full form is Guillain-Barre Syndrome. It is a post-infectious neurological and auto-immune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly damages its peripheral nervous system. It is a rare but serious condition causing numbness, weakness, and even paralysis in severe cases. 

The immune system is the body's military, with trillions of soldiers protecting against diseases, infection, and injury. The average person has around 1.8 trillion immune cells. When the body’s immune system detects an invader, it triggers an inflammatory response that manifests as swelling, pain, redness, and warmth. 

Types of GBS

All four Guillain Barre Syndrome types are mentioned below-

• Acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN): It damages axons of the nerves and leads to weakness in muscles and limbs.
• Acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN): This GBS type is an axonal disorder that affects the nerves’s axons. It causes severe burning or knife-like pain and sensory loss with extreme muscle weakness. 
• Miller-Fisher syndrome (MFS): It affects the cranial nerves and creates problems with balance and coordination. The Miller-fisher Syndrome makes speaking, swallowing, and eye movement difficult.
• Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP): The immune system damages the myelin sheath, and the symptoms include mild sensory changes and muscle weakness.

Causes of GBS Syndrome

The exact reason for the outbreak is unknown, but Campylobacter jejuni, which can be found in contaminated food or water, can often trigger the disease. The infection leads to the immune system mistakenly attacking the nerves or the myelin sheath, the nerves’ protective covers. As a result, the nerves lose their ability to transmit signals effectively. In a nutshell, the immune system becomes the snake in the grass.

Many GBS cases occur because of viral and bacterial infections such as influenza, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Zika virus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, vaccinations, surgery, and other systematic infections. 

Risk Factors of GBS Disease

GBS is usually caused by abnormal immune responses damaging the nerves. Some medical conditions, infections, and vaccinations may lead to GBS. Several gastrointestinal or respiratory infections can also cause GBS, but thankfully, it is not contagious. People with a history of infections or chronic conditions have a higher risk. Moreover, it may catch anyone, regardless of age. It is more common in the tropics during the rainy season.

Early Signs & Symptoms of Guillain Barre

Guillain Barre disease symptoms may develop over a few days or weeks and generally peak within four weeks of initiation. 

• Weakness in the legs
• Tingling and numbness in feet, toes and legs
• Muscle weakness in lower limbs
• Deep aching sensation in the back
• Loss of reflexes
• Difficulty in mobility and coordination
• Weak facial muscles cause difficulty in swallowing, chewing and speaking.
• Difficulty in controlling bowel functions

Diagnosis of GBS

The possible complications include difficulty breathing, shortening of joint tissues, and formation of blood clots. You must contact a medical professional when experiencing decreased sensation, trouble taking a deep breath, difficulty swallowing, and loss of strength in your legs. The disease Guillain Barre Syndrome can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed or managed properly. It can also lead to complete paralysis. So, on-time diagnosis is crucial. Given below are some of the evaluation and diagnostic tests-

• Lumbar Puncture: When protein levels increase in the cerebrospinal fluid, and the number of white blood cells remains constant, this indicates GBS.
• Blood Tests: Helps analyse the number of white blood cells in the bloodstream and hence address the underlying issue.
• Nerve Conduction Studies: These tests measure the speed of the nerve signals.
• Electromyography (EMG): It gauges electrical activity in muscles. 
• Physical Examination: Assessment of reflexes, muscle strength and symptoms.

Treatment of GBS Disorder

Not every individual diagnosed with Campylobacter jejuni infection needs to develop GBS. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help avoid severe complications. The following techniques have been proven effective in GBS disease treatment. 

1. Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG)
2. Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange)

Theses procedures reduce the intensity and growth of the disease. The neurologist decides which treatment is better for the patient. Plasma exchange is cheaper than IVIG. As GBS is a life-threatening disease, patients need adequate time to recover. Usually, patients need physiotherapy afterwards to regain their neurological functions and recover. However, advanced technology has improved treatment outcomes. Treatments like supportive care and immunotherapy are the most common treatment for GBS. Drugs like leukocyte trafficking inhibitors are an expensive prescription for the disease. But you can avail yourself of the benefits of the treatment without worries by diverting all your financial complications to your insurer. Grab a comprehensive health insurance plan and protect yourself against unexpected events in life. 

Recovery and Long-Term Outlook

The mortality rate of GBS is low; less than 2% of people face casualty due to complications related to respiratory failure. Recovery from GBS depends on a person's respective symptoms. Most people recover fully after 2-3 weeks of treatment. Some individuals experience lasting numbness, weakness, pain or fatigue even after rehabilitation and therapy. Specific factors that affect the speed and completeness of recovery are-

• Age
• Overall health
• Symptoms faced
• Psychological impact

Usually, it takes weeks or months to improve one’s condition after GBS. Many individuals still might have to face complications like muscle weakness and pain even after years of diagnosis.

Preventive Measures 

GBS can’t be prevented fully. The following preventive measures can be taken to minimise the risk of infections-

• Don’t ignore early symptoms such as tingling, numbness, and weakness.
• Avoiding undercooked poultry
• Avoid unpasteurised milk
• Stay hydrated and drink boiled water
• Maintain good hygiene 
• Avoid stale food
• Don’t share utensils, towels, and drinking glasses with others.
• Avoid using communal or unclean items without disinfection.
• Ensure you wash your fruits and vegetables.
• Sanitise and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap.

Recent Developments in GBS Treatment

• Timely treatment: Early diagnosis and intervention of GBS symptoms through neurological examinations allow timely recognition. 
• Plasmapheresis: This recent development in GBS treatment is a key treatment of the neurological disease. 
• New Therapies: Research into new therapies like monoclonal antibodies helps treat the disease.

Conclusion

GBS is a rare but serious condition caused when the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system. It can also culminate in paralysis. In India, outbreaks associated with viral infections lead to GBS. Critical illnesses have become common these days, so getting suitable health insurance coverage is essential. An early investment makes way for affordable premium and comprehensive coverage. So, assess your family’s health needs and the current medical challenges worldwide.

Getting high-quality medical services is easy with insurance.

Protect yourself and your savings, too!

>> Also Read: Diseases that Affect Your Nervous System

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more coverage information.