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Common Diseases > GUILLAIN BARRE SYNDROME
What
is Guillain Barre Syndrome?
(GBS)
Guillain Barre Syndrome,
(Acute idiopathic polyneuritis) is an
inflammatory disorder of the
peripheral nerves, those outside the
brain and the spinal cord. It is characterized by the rapid onset of
weakness and often paralysis the
legs, arms, breathing muscles and
face. Abnormal sensations often
accompany the weakness.
Many patients
require an intensive care unit during
the early course of their illness,
especially if support of breathing
with a machine is required. Although
most people recover, this can take
months, and some may have long term
disabilities of varying degrees. Less
than 5 percent die. GBS can develop
in any person at any age, regardless
of gender or ethnic background.
How
is GBS diagnosed?
Quite often the
patient’s symptoms and physical
exam are sufficient to indicate the
diagnosis. The rapid onset of
(ascending) weakness, frequently
accompanied by abnormal sensations,
and affecting both sides of the body
similarly, is a common presenting
picture. Loss of reflexes, such as
knee jerk, are usually found. To
confirm the diagnosis, a lumbar
puncture to find elevated fluid
protein and electrical tests of nerve
and muscle function may be performed.
How
is GBS treated?
Because progression of the illness in
its early stages is unpredictable,
most newly diagnosed patients are
hospitalized, and usually placed in
an intensive care unit to monitor
breathing and other body functions.
Care involves
use of general supportive measures
for the paralysed patient, and also
methods specifically designed to
speed recovery, especially for those
patient with major problems, such as
the inability to walk. Treatments
aimed at shortening the illness have
included plasmapheresis or plasma
exchange, high dose immune globulins
and corticosteroids. Most patients
after their early hospital stay and
when medically stable, are candidates
for a rehabilitation program to help
learn optimal use of muscles as nerve
supply returns.
What
causes GBS?
The cause is not known. Perhaps 50%
of cases occur after a viral
infection such as a sore throat or
diarrhoea. Many cases developed in
people who received the 1976 swine
flu vaccine. Some theories suggest an
auto-immune mechanism, in which the
patients defence system of antibodies
and white blood cells are triggered
into damaging the nerve covering or
insulation, leading to weakness and
abnormal sensations.
The above
information has been made available
through ‘The Guillain Barre Syndrome Foundation International’ who have set up
support chapters around the would to
help the GBS patient and family.
A New Zealand
support Group has contact with over
270 current or former sufferers of GBS and/or their families. We put out
a news letter every quarter, with
news about GBS, helpful hints,
personal encounters and some other
bits and pieces.
Contact in New
Zealand, either:-
Terry Watton,
Ph. 07 862 6438, Fax 07 862 6437 28
Thames Rd
Paeroa
E-mail paeroagardencentre@xtra.co.nz
or
Jenny Murray,
Ph./Fax 06 751 1014
27 Grenville St.
New Plymouth |
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