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A Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) outbreak has hit Madhya Pradesh’s Neemuch district recently, with two deaths reported in Manasa town.

It is a rare neurological disorder in which a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks part of their peripheral nervous system.
This is the part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord.
It controls muscle movement, pain signals, and temperature and touch sensations.
Since the body's own immune system does the damage, GBS is called an autoimmune disease.
GBS is also called acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP).
It can occur at any age, but it most commonly affects people between 30 and 50.

The exact cause of the disease remains unclear, but it is often observed following a viral or bacterial infection, vaccination, or major surgery.
At such times, the immune system becomes hyperactive, leading to this rare condition.

Patients often begin with an unknown fever, followed by weakness and other nervous system-related symptoms.
It can increase in intensity over a period of hours, days, or weeks until certain muscles cannot be used at all.
Some cases of GBS are very mild and only marked by brief weakness. Others cause nearly devastating paralysis, leaving the person unable to breathe on their own.
It is potentially life-threatening. People with GBS should be treated and monitored as quickly as possible

There’s no known cure for GBS.
Several treatment options can ease symptoms and help speed recovery.
Most people recover completely from GBS, but some serious illnesses can be fatal.
While recovery may take up to several years, most people are able to walk again six months after symptoms first began.
Some people may have lasting effects, such as weakness, numbness, or fatigue.

Source: NDTV

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) FAQs

Q1: What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)?

Ans: It is a rare neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system.

Q2: What is the other medical name for Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Ans: Acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP).

Q3: What are the commonly observed triggers of Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Ans: Viral or bacterial infections, vaccination, or major surgery.

Q4: What are the initial symptoms of Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Ans: An unknown fever followed by muscle weakness and nervous system-related symptoms.

Q5: Is there a permanent cure for Guillain-Barré Syndrome?

Ans: No, there is currently no known cure.