Guillain-barre syndrome

An uncommon, often temporary paralysis that results from exposure to certain influenza viruses or vaccinations.


A nervous disorder in which, after a non-specific infection, demyelination of the spinal roots and peripheral nerves takes place, leading to generalised weakness and sometimes respiratory paralysis.


Guillain-Barre syndrome is an acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. It is an acquired neurological problem due to damage of the myelin sheath that protects the nerves. It is characterized by a rapidly progressive ascending paralysis of the extremities. It starts with parathesis of the feet, followed by weakness in the legs, arms, trunk, and face.


Also known as GBS, a rare, potentially life-threatening, inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves. The onset of GBS is typically sudden and unexpected.


A disease of the peripheral nerves in which there is numbness and weakness in the limbs. It usually develops 10-20 days after a respiratory infection that provokes an allergic response in the peripheral nerves. A rapidly progressive form of the disease is called Landry ‘s paralysis.


A disease of the peripheral nerves causing weakness and numbness in the limbs. It customarily occurs up to three weeks after an infection for example, campylobacter infection of the gastrointestinal tract provoking an allergic response in the nerves. It may begin with weakness of the legs and gradually spread up the body. In the worst cases the patient may become totally paralyzed and require to be artificially ventilated. Despite this, recovery is the rule.


A rare autoimmune illness, affecting 1 to 2 persons per 100,000 in the U.S., marked by progressive and potentially fatal ascending paralysis with loss of motor reflexes. Loss of motor function begins in the extremities and moves upward through the body; when it includes the diaphragm, it may result in respiratory failure. The loss of motor function can occur in a few days to 2 to 3 weeks. Uncomfortable sensations (paresthesias and dysesthesias) in the hips, thighs, and back are commonly experienced. Recovery is spontaneous and complete in the vast majority of patients, but may take more than a year. The syndrome may produce only limited muscle weakness or complete paralysis, followed by general recovery or partial recovery with residual weakness in the extremities.


A neurological disorder characterized by symptoms such as abrupt numbness and weakness in the arms and legs, occasionally progressing to paralysis. This condition necessitates medical intervention as it is severe, although the majority of individuals achieve full recovery.


This is a rare condition that impacts the peripheral nervous system and typically results in weakness, particularly in the limbs.


Guillain–Barré syndrome is thought to be triggered by an allergic reaction to an infection, commonly of viral origin. In this condition, antibodies produced against the virus end up damaging the nerves. The majority of cases manifest around two to three weeks after the initial infection.


The condition typically begins with weakness, often accompanied by numbness and tingling, primarily in the legs, which then progresses to the arms. In some cases, the weakness worsens and can lead to paralysis. Additionally, muscles in the face, as well as those involved in speech, swallowing, and breathing, may also be impacted.


Confirmation of the diagnosis involves conducting electrical tests to measure the speed of nerve impulses and performing a lumbar puncture. During the lumbar puncture, a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is taken from the spinal canal for analysis.


The majority of individuals achieve full recovery with supportive treatment. However, in severe cases, additional treatment options like plasmapheresis (removal of antibodies from the blood) or immunoglobulin therapy may be necessary. Mechanical ventilation might be employed to assist breathing when the chest muscles and diaphragm are significantly affected. After recovery, some people may experience persistent weakness, while others might encounter recurrent episodes of the disease. There is also a group that could face both ongoing weakness and further attacks.


 


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