What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)? Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Precautions

• Recently, several cases of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) have been reported in Mansa town of Neemuch district, Madhya Pradesh.
• The death of two patients has raised concern among the health department and the general public.
• Although GBS is a rare disease, it can become life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated on time.

What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome ?

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare autoimmune neurological disorder.
• In this condition, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system.

The peripheral nervous system:

• Connects the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body
• Controls muscle movement
• Transmits sensations such as pain, temperature, and touch
• When these nerves are damaged, symptoms like weakness, numbness, and paralysis may develop.
• Medically, GBS is also called Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (AIDP).
•  It can occur at any age but is more commonly seen in people between 30–50 years.

Causes of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

The exact cause is not fully known, but GBS often occurs after:

• Viral infections (flu, dengue, COVID-19, gastrointestinal infections)
• Bacterial infections
• Vaccination (very rare cases)
• Major surgery or serious illness
• In these situations, the immune system becomes overactive and mistakenly attacks the nerves.

Major Symptoms of GBS

Symptoms may develop slowly or progress very rapidly.

Early Symptoms

• Mild fever or recent infection
• Tingling or numbness in the legs
• Feeling of weakness
• Fatigue

Severe Symptoms

• Paralysis spreading upward from the legs
• Weakness in the arms
• Difficulty walking
• Trouble speaking or swallowing
• Breathing difficulty
• Weakness of facial muscles
• Symptoms can worsen within hours, days, or weeks.
• In some cases, patients may not be able to breathe independently and may require ICU care.

Can GBS Be Life-Threatening ?

Yes, if treatment is delayed, GBS can be fatal. However, with modern medical care, most patients recover.

The risk of death increases when:

• Breathing muscles are affected
• Severe infections occur
• Heart rhythm becomes abnormal
• Treatment is delayed

Treatment of Guillain-Barré Syndrome

There is no permanent cure, but treatment helps reduce severity and speed recovery.

Main Treatments

• Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy
• Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis)
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
• Respiratory support (ventilator if needed)
• Most patients start walking within 6 months.
• Full recovery may take 1–2 years.
• Some patients may have long-term weakness, fatigue, or numbness.

Prevention and Precautions

GBS cannot be completely prevented, but risk can be reduced:

• Prevent infections (maintain hygiene, drink clean water, wash hands regularly)
• If weakness appears after fever or infection, consult a doctor immediately
• Avoid self-medication
• Inform a doctor if any unusual symptoms appear after vaccination