What is gullen barr syndrome
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"Guillain-Barre Syndrome"[MeSH Terms]
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Guillain-Barré syndrome CDC symptoms emergency treatment
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s peripheral nerves. It often begins after an infection, such as diarrheal illness caused by Campylobacter, a respiratory infection, influenza, or COVID-19.
Typical symptoms
- Tingling or “pins and needles,” often starting in the feet
- Weakness beginning in both legs and moving upward to the arms or face
- Reduced or absent reflexes
- Difficulty walking, facial weakness, or trouble swallowing
- In severe cases, weakness of breathing muscles, abnormal heart rate or blood pressure, and paralysis
Symptoms may worsen over hours to days, or sometimes weeks. The WHO fact sheet notes that breathing muscles can be affected, so suspected GBS needs urgent medical assessment and usually hospital monitoring.
Diagnosis and treatment
Doctors diagnose it mainly from the pattern of weakness and neurological examination. Nerve-conduction testing/EMG and a lumbar puncture can support the diagnosis.
Treatment in hospital may include:
- Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), or
- Plasma exchange (plasmapheresis)
These treatments reduce immune-mediated nerve injury. Steroid medicines alone do not treat typical GBS effectively. Recovery often starts after the illness stops progressing, but it may take weeks to months, and sometimes longer. Many people recover well, although fatigue, weakness, numbness, or pain can persist.
Seek emergency care now for rapidly worsening weakness, difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking, or new facial weakness.
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