Guillain-Barre Syndrome -OUTBREAKS Formulated by Dr.T.V. Rao MD

Guillain-Barre Syndrome -OUTBREAKS

Formulated by Dr.T.V. Rao MD

Guillain-Barre (gee-YAH-buh-RAY) syndrome is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves. It can cause weakness, numbness, or paralysis.

Weakness and tingling in the hands and feet are usually the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread and may lead to paralysis. In its most serious form, Guillain-Barre syndrome is a medical emergency. Most people with the condition need treatment in a hospital.

Guillain-Barre syndrome is rare, and the exact cause is not known. But two-thirds of people have symptoms of an infection in the six weeks before Guillain-Barre symptoms begin. Infections can include a respiratory or a gastrointestinal infection, including COVID-19. Guillain-Barre also can be caused by the Zika virus.

Key facts

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a rare condition in which a person’s immune system attacks the peripheral nerves. People of all ages can be affected, but it is more common in adults and in males. Most people recover fully from even the most severe cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome.

GBS is a neurological disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. This is part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord. The onset of GBS is quite sudden and unexpected.

The first symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome include weakness or tingling sensations. They usually start in the legs and can spread to the arms and face, states the World Health Organization.

Who is more likely to get Guillain-Barré syndrome?

GBS can affect anyone of any gender or age, but most often affects adults and people older than 50. GBS is not contagious or inherited and the exact cause is unknown.

Since the body's own immune system does the damage, GBS is called an autoimmune disease (“auto” meaning “self”). Normally the immune system uses antibodies (molecules produced in an immune response) and special white blood cells to protect us by attacking infecting bacteria and viruses. In GBS, however, the immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy nerves. T

Severe cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome are rare but can result in near-total paralysis and problems breathing. Guillain-Barré syndrome is potentially life-threatening. People with Guillain-Barré syndrome should be treated and monitored as quickly as possible; some may need intensive care. Treatment includes supportive care and some immunological therapies.

What happens during Guillain-Barré syndrome? Guillain-Barre syndrome - Symptoms and causes – (Mayo Clinic)

In Guillain-Barre syndrome, your immune system — which usually attacks only invading organisms — begins attacking the nerves. In AIDP , the nerves' protective covering, known as the myelin sheath, is damaged. The damage prevents nerves from transmitting signals to your brain, causing weakness, numbness, or paralysis.

The Indian Council of Medical Research–National Institute of Virology has identified norovirus, one of the leading causes of acute gastroenteritis across all age groups—along with campylobacter bacteria, as a common cause of diarrheal illness from some of the samples of persons affected with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS).

GBS can be associated with norovirus infection, experts said. As per the World Health Organisation, Norovirus is a viral illness that causes acute gastroenteritis. Symptoms include acute onset diarrhoea Norovirus is a common and very contagious virus. It causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Your symptoms may be similar to the stomach flu, but they have a different cause. Norovirus spreads easily through close contact or on contaminated food or surfaces. The illness runs its course in a few days’ vomiting. It spreads through contaminated food, water, or surfaces . What is norovirus?

Norovirus is a group of viruses that causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. It’s a very common illness and it’s very contagious. Norovirus outbreaks usually happen seasonally in colder months. The infection is the No. 1 cause of foodborne illness in the United States.

How many types of noroviruses exist?

There are several different types (strains) of norovirus. It’s in the Caliciviridae family of viruses that cause inflammation of your stomach and intestines (gastroenteritis). In this family, there are 10 groups with 48 types. The most common type is GII.4.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is norovirus diagnosed?

A healthcare provider will diagnose norovirus after learning about your symptoms. Testing usually is not necessary, but a provider may test a stool sample to confirm your diagnosis. Tests are usually necessary if you have an underlying medical condition that affects the performance of your immune system and your ability to fight infections.

There is no cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome. But two types of treatments can speed recovery and reduce symptoms: Plasma exchange, also known as plasmapheresis. Plasma is the liquid portion of part of your blood.

: Plasma exchange, also known as plasmapheresis. Plasma is the liquid portion of part of your blood. In a plasma exchange, plasma is removed and separated from your blood cells. The blood cells are then put back into your body, which makes more plasma to replace what was removed. Plasmapheresis may work by ridding plasma of certain antibodies that contribute to the immune system's attack on the peripheral nerves.

Immunoglobulin therapy. Immunoglobulin containing healthy antibodies from blood donors is given through a vein. High doses of immunoglobulin can block the damaging antibodies that may contribute to Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Recovery

Recovery can take months and even years. But most people with Guillain-Barre syndrome experience this general timeline:

After the first symptoms, the condition tends to worsen for about two weeks.

Symptoms reach a plateau within four weeks.

Recovery begins, usually lasting 6 to 12 months. For some people, recovery can take as long as three years.

Resources and To learn more from

Mayo Clinic/CDC / WHO / National; Institute of health /ICMR India

Open source knowledge bases on world wide web

No conflict of interest / Created for Educational and Training purpose in Developing Nations

Formulated by

Dr.T. V.Rao MD