What is Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS)
Guillain Barre syndrome is a rare disorder in which your body’s defense (immune) system attacks your nervous system. GBS is a kind of autoimmune disorder.
GBS is not contagious and most people with GBS recover within a few months. However, some people may still have some weakness after a few years.
What are the causes?
The exact cause of GBS syndrome is not known. The disorder usually develops a few days or weeks after a viral infection, such as a stomach (gastrointestinal) or breathing (respiratory) infection. Sometimes surgery or vaccinations will trigger the syndrome.
What are the signs or symptoms?
The most common signs and symptoms of GBS are tingling, numbness, and weakness in your lower legs. You may have more symptoms in other areas of your body after a few weeks. Signs and symptoms may eventually include:
- Muscle weakness that spreads from your legs to your arms and trunk.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Total loss of muscle use.
- Facial weakness.
- Double vision.
- Trouble swallowing.
- Slurred speech.
- Aching or burning pain.
- Rapid breathing and heart rate.
- Flushing or cold and clammy skin.
- Dizziness when standing.
- Trouble passing urine or having bowel movements.
How is this diagnosed?
Your health care provider will do a physical exam to diagnose GBS. You may also have tests to confirm GBS. These may include:
- A nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test to check for slowing of nerve signals.
- A spinal tap to check for protein in the fluid around the spinal cord.
How is this treated?
Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and speeding up recovery. The most important part of treatment is to keep your body functioning while your nervous system recovers. Severe cases of GBS may require hospitalization. Possible treatments include:
- Plasmapheresis. This is a type of blood transfusion. It removes immune system cells that are attacking your nervous system.
- Intravenous injections of special proteins (immunoglobulins or antibodies). These proteins may slow down the immune system’s attack on peripheral nerves.
- Medicines to control the symptoms of GBS.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Physical therapy may be recommended by your health care provider. Follow your exercises as directed by your physical therapist.
- Make sure you have the support you need.
- Keep all follow-up visits as directed by your health care provider. This is important.
- Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
Contact a health care provider if:
- You have new symptoms or your symptoms get worse.
- You do not feel safe or supported at home.
Get help right away if:
- You have trouble breathing.
- You have trouble swallowing.
- You choke after eating or drinking.
- You cannot move.
- You pass out.
