Guillain Barre Syndrome - Symptom, Causes, Treatment of Guillain Barre Syndrome
Guillain Barre Syndrome is a rare inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves characterised by sudden onset and rapid progression of muscular weakness and some loss of sensation, usually beginning in the hands and feet and spreading towards the body. The central nervous system is not affected.
Guillain-Barre syndrome is also known as acute polyneuritis or ascending paralysis. The cause is unknown, but because the onset is often 1 to 3 weeks after a mild infection, surgery or immunisation.
Investigations to confirm the diagnosis include lumbar puncture. blood tests to detect abnormal antibodies, tests of nerve function., and examination of cerebrospinal fluid (which surrounds the brain and spinal cord).
Severe Guillain-Barre syndrome is an emergency disorder requiring admission to hospital in case the respiratory muscles are affected and tracheotomy (making an opening in the trachea - the windpipe)
and mechanical ventilation are needed to maintain breathing. Replacement of blood plasma with a substitute may be used to remove harmful anti-bodies from the blood. Most patients recover slowly over a period of months. while others are left with permanent weakness; in some cases repeated acute attacks occur.
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