What is Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

Guillain-Barre Syndrome Latest News

Around 59 people in Pune have been recently affected with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. 

About Guillain-Barre Syndrome

• It’s a neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the 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.
• 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.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome Causes

• 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.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome Symptoms

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.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome Treatment

• There is no known cure for this syndrome.
• The most commonly used treatment is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which is made from donated blood that contains healthy antibodies.
• This helps calm down the immune system’s attack on the nerves.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome FAQs

Q1. Can Guillain Barre be cured?

Ans. There’s no cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome. 

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Q2. What is the common cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome?

Ans. One of the most common risk factors for GBS is infection with the bacteria Campylobacter jejuni, 

Q3. What organ does Guillain-Barré syndrome affect?

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

Q4. What are the new treatments for Guillain Barre Syndrome?

Ans. New treatment strategies for GBS are mostly immunotherapies, including treatment against antibodies, complement pathways, immune cells and cytokines.

Source: IT