What is Guillain Barre Syndrome?

Guillain Barré syndrome: causes, symptoms and treatment of the rare disease that affects the peripheral nerves.

Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare neurological disease . It is an autoimmune disease, which is a disease that causes the immune system to attack a part of the body. In people with this disorder, it is the peripheral nervous system, which is the system of nerves that carry messages between the brain and the rest of the body, that are targeted. The signs and symptoms of this disease can vary from person to person and can be mild or severe. While treatment usually involves a combination of drug treatment and rehabilitation. Let's find out together everything you need to know about this disease.

Guillan Barré syndrome: causes and symptoms

This rare disorder typically affects the nerves that control the muscles in the arms and legs, but it can also affect the nerves that control the heart and breathing. Guillain Barré syndrome is usually caused by an infection and affects progressively, usually starting in the legs and then spreading to the rest of the body. More common among men than among women, it is not contagious.

Symptoms can be muscle weakness , tingling and numbness in the arms and legs, difficulty breathing and heart problems. More generally, those suffering from this syndrome may experience difficulty walking , problems with balance and coordination, fainting, difficulty speaking or swallowing, vision problems. In some cases, Guillain Barré can even lead to life-threatening complications.

How to treat GBS

There is no specific cure for this disease, but treatment usually involves two types of therapeutic interventions, plasmapheresis and immunoglobulin infusion , followed by a period of rehabilitation which can lead to physiotherapy, speech therapy or psychological support. To avoid complications, painkillers or anticoagulants can also be administered.

Most people with this problem make a full recovery, but some may experience long-term health problems. Guillain Barré is a rare disease, but it's important to know the symptoms and seek medical help if you or someone you know is experiencing certain symptoms. With early diagnosis and treatment, most people make a full recovery in a relatively short time.

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