Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a rare, rapid-onset condition in which your immune system attacks your nerves, typically characterized by muscle weakness and a tingling sensation in the extremities (most often feet). These symptoms can worsen over the course of hours to weeks, sometimes progressing to full-body paralysis.
GBS is not a chronic illness, and most people who experience it make a complete recovery. In severe cases, however, Guillain-Barre can be fatal. Further, some patients may experience lasting difficulties with fatigue and muscle weakness.
Guillain-Barre syndrome is characterized by muscle weakness and tingling that usually begins in the feet and progresses up to the torso and upper extremities, escalating in severity. Sometimes symptoms begin in the hands or face. This muscle weakness may cause difficulty walking or paralysis in affected areas. Other symptoms include muscle pain that is worse at night, difficulty breathing, and double-vision.
Because of how quickly symptoms can worsen, Guillain-Barre syndrome is a medical emergency that must be treated in a hospital. If you experience pins-and-needles sensations in your hands or feet that progress up your limbs towards your torso, please seek medical help immediately.
Guillain-Barre syndrome is typically triggered by a recent infection of the respiratory or gastrointestinal systems. COVID-19, hepatitis, or the flu virus are a few examples of infections that have triggered Guillain-Barre. However, other severe stressors on the body, such as surgery or traumatic injury, may also trigger an episode.
GBS is diagnosed based on the symptoms reported to your doctor along with in-office physical and neurological examinations. If your doctor suspects Guillain-Barre, they may order a lumbar puncture test to check your spinal fluid for protein markers of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Additionally, nerve conduction tests and other labs are possible to rule out other nerve conditions with similar symptoms.
Recovery from GBS is a long-term process. Around 80% of adults are able to walk without mobility aids at around 6 months after diagnosis, a complete recovery of strength and mobility can take as long as 3 years.
Treatment for Guillain-Barre focuses on reducing recovery time and the severity of symptoms. There is no cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome, but medical treatment is essential to support a safe, full, and speedy recovery.
Either plasmapheresis or immunoglobulin therapy will be used to mitigate your immune system’s attack on your nerves. Your doctor may also prescribe physical therapy to help regain healthy movement patterns.
How is GBS treated?
Recovery from GBS is a long-term process. Around 80% of adults are able to walk without mobility aids at around 6 months after diagnosis, a complete recovery of strength and mobility can take as long as three years.
Treatment for Guillain-Barre focuses on reducing recovery time and the severity of symptoms. There is no cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome, but medical treatment is essential to support a safe, full, and speedy recovery.
Either plasmapheresis or immunoglobulin therapy will be used to mitigate your immune system’s attack on your nerves. Your doctor may also prescribe physical therapy to help regain healthy movement patterns.
Why Choose NGPG?
NGPG Neuroscience employs several board-certified neurologists, neurosurgeons, neurointerventional surgeons, neuropsychiatrists, and other specialists who provide high-quality care and up-to-date treatments through our two outpatient Neurology office locations. For imaging and surgical care, we partner with the Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s expert neurosciences team and state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring our patients access to all the services of a leading hospital alongside our excellent outpatient care.
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