Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare neurological disorder, which body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The condition affect the nerves that control muscle movement as well as those transmit pain, temperature and touch sensations. This year, 2025 India’s Pune city of Maharashtra has reported over 100 cases of GBS.
One of the suspected of Guillain–Barré syndrome case has died on Maharashtra.
The Guillain–Barré syndrome first discovered in 1916 by French neurologists Georges Guillain, Jean Alexandre Barré, and André Strohl. The condition has identified in two soldiers who had had muscle weakness, abnormal reflexes, and high levels of protein in their spinal fluid without inflammation. This discovery has led to define the syndrome, which was later named after Guillain and Barré.
What is Guillain-Barré syndrome
Guillain–Barré syndrome is a rare neurological disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the nerves. It causes weakness, numbness or even can lead to paralysis and difficulty breathing. The exact cause of the condition is not known yet.
According to WHO, the syndrome can affect the nerves that control muscle movement as well as those that transmit pain, temperature and touch sensations. This can result in muscle weakness, loss of sensation in the legs and/or arms, and problems swallowing or breathing.
It is a rare condition, where people of all ages can be affected. In India, Maharashtra state health department’s analysis shows the age breakdown of 101 patients since the beginning: 19 are under 9 years old, 15 are aged 10-19, 20 are aged 20-29, 13 are aged 30-39, 12 are aged 40-49, 13 are aged 50-59, 8 are aged 60-69, and 1 patient is aged 70-80.
What is Guillain-Barré Syndrome Symptoms
The first symptoms of Guillain–Barre syndrome is weakness and tingling sensation shown in people health. These symptoms are usually start in the legs and can spread to the arms and face. In some people, these symptoms can lead to paralysis of the legs, arms or muscles.
Approximately, one third of cases it affects the chest muscles, making it difficult to breathe.
Some symptoms of GBS are:
- Tingling or “pins and needles” feeling in fingers, toes, ankles, or wrists.
- Weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper body.
- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs, or feeling unsteady.
- Problems with facial movements, such as speaking, chewing, or swallowing.
- Double vision or difficulty moving the eyes.
- Severe pain that can feel like aches, cramps, or sharp shooting pain, often worse at night.
- Difficulty controlling the bladder or bowels.
- Fast heartbeat.
- High or low blood pressure.
- Difficulty breathing.
Causes of Guillain–Barré Syndrome
The exact causes of Guillain–Barré syndrome is not known yet. But it usually occurs after an infection or immune system trigger. Some of the causes of it are
Infections:
- Respiratory infections or the flu.
- Stomach infections (e.g., from Campylobacter jejuni, a bacteria often found in undercooked poultry).
- Viral infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus, Zika virus, or cytomegalovirus.
In rare cases, vaccination can also increase the risk of people getting GBS, but the chances is rare or extremely low.
In some time, recent surgery or physical injury can sometimes trigger the condition.
What is the treatment of GBS?
There is no adject cure of the Guillain–Barré Syndrome, but there are several treatments that can improve the symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness.
- It is a life potentially life-threatening. GBS patients should be hospitalized so that specialist can monitor it closely.
- The persons whose ability to breathe is impaired, he or she has put on a ventilator.
- There are two types of treatments which can speed the recovery. One is Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis) and Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG). Provided in max healthcare.
- For pain management, relief pain medicine are provided.
Disclaimer
The information on this website about Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS) is for general knowledge only and not a substitute for medical advice. It has been written provided in google. Always consult a doctor for concerns or symptoms. We aim to keep the info accurate but can’t guarantee its completeness. If you think you have GBS like symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
