Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system. Usually in the legs and feet, it may begin with weakness or tingling before spreading to the arms and upper body. In its most severe form, it can cause difficulty breathing, making it a medical emergency.

Sahana

1/31/20253 min read

On January 29, 2025, a 53-year-old Pune woman who was receiving treatment for Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) passed away in Pune. This is the second death; the first occurred on January 25, 2025, when a 41-year-old accountant passed away. As of January 29, 2025, there were 127 cases in total. Given the rise in cases, it is imperative to raise awareness of GBS to be safe. As a pharmacist, staying informed about various diseases is important, so here is Elite Expertise's approach to GBS.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare but deadly illness in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the nerves. Muscle weakness, numbness, and in extreme situations, paralysis may result from this. Despite the fact that most people recover fully, GBS necessitates immediate medical attention and hospitalization.

What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects the peripheral nervous system. Usually in the legs and feet, it may begin with weakness or tingling before spreading to the arms and upper body. In its most severe form, it can cause difficulty breathing, making it a medical emergency.

What Causes GBS?

Infections are often the trigger for GBS, though the exact cause is unknown. About two-thirds of people with GBS report having a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection, such as the flu, a few weeks before symptoms appear. Some other possible triggers include:

Undercooked poultry is often contaminated with bacteria known as Campylobacter.

The influenza virus

The virus Epstein-Barr

The Zika virus

The viruses A, B, C, and E

COVID-19

Recent surgery or trauma

A few vaccines (rare cases)

Symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

It is possible for GBS symptoms to develop and worsen quickly. Typical symptoms and indicators consist of:

Feelings of "pins and needles" or tingling in the ankles, feet, and hands

Muscle weakness that starts in the legs and progresses upward

Having difficulty walking or climbing stairs

Face expression problems, including speaking, swallowing, and chewing

Visual problems, such as double vision

Severe nerve pain that typically worsens at night

Issues with bladder or bowel control

Unusual changes in heart rate or blood pressure

Breathing problems in severe circumstances

Usually, two weeks after onset, the worst symptoms manifest.

Types of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Although GBS can take many different forms, the following are the most common ones:

Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP), the most common type in North America and Europe, is characterized by weakness that starts in the lower body and moves upward.

Miller Fisher Syndrome (MFS): A less common type that starts with eye paralysis and can cause an unsteady gait.

The motor and sensory nerves are affected by acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) and acute motor axonal neuropathy (AMAN), which are more common in Asia, Mexico, and China.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you experience tingling, weak muscles, or difficulty breathing, get medical attention immediately. Because Guillain-Barré syndrome can progress rapidly, complications must be avoided with early treatment.

Risk Factors

GBS can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase the risk:

Growing older

Male gender (slightly riskier than female)

Infection or recent surgery

root causes of immune system issues

Complications of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

GBS can cause serious side effects, such as:

Breathing issues: Weakness in the respiratory muscles may require the use of a ventilator.

Persistent weakness or numbness: Some people may have symptoms that don't go away after they recover

Blood pressure and heart issues: Changes in heart rate and blood pressure are common.

Severe nerve pain: Chronic nerve pain affects a lot of people.

Bowel and bladder dysfunction: You may experience constipation or momentary retention of urine.

Blood clots and bedsores: Immobility can cause blood clots or pressure sores in certain patients.

Relapse: A small percentage of patients may experience a symptom recurrence.

Counselling and Recovery

Although there is currently no known cure for Guillain-Barré Syndrome, there are treatments that can help manage symptoms and speed up recovery.

Common treatments include:

uses plasma exchange, sometimes referred to as plasmapheresis, to remove harmful antibodies from the blood.

The immune system uses intravenous immunoglobulin, or IVIG, to help protect against nerve attacks.

Physical therapy helps restore muscle strength and range of motion after recovery.

Some people may need more time to recover, but the majority do so in six months. While some patients experience long-term effects like fatigue or mild weakness, the majority of patients resume their normal functions.

Conclusion

Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a serious but treatable condition. Recognizing the early symptoms and seeking immediate medical care can improve the chances of a full recovery. If you or someone you know experiences unexplained weakness or tingling, don't ignore it—consult a doctor as soon as possible.