Recently, about 59 individuals in Pune have been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
This condition is a neurological disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system, which is the part of the nervous system that lies outside the brain and spinal cord. This system is responsible for controlling muscle movements, as well as sending pain signals and sensations of temperature and touch. Guillain-Barre Syndrome is also known as acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP). While it can happen to anyone, it usually affects people who are between 30 and 50 years old.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome Causes
The specific reason for the disease isn't fully known, but it usually happens after someone has a viral or bacterial infection, gets vaccinated, or has a big surgery. During these times, the immune system can go into overdrive, which can cause this unusual 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 isn't a cure for this syndrome that we know of. The main treatment people use is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which comes from donated blood filled with healthy antibodies. This treatment helps to reduce the immune system's assault on the nerves.
Image: Google