Guillain-Barre Syndrome
What is Guillain-Barre Syndrome?
Guillain-Barre
Syndrome is a disease of the nervous system due to damage
to the myelin sheath around nerves. The myelin sheath acts as an
insulator the same as rubber or plastic around electrical wires.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome is the most frequent acquired (as
opposed to inherited) nerve disease (neuropathy). In many cases it
follows shortly after a virus infection. It is also rarely
associated with immunizations, surgery, and childbirth.
What causes Guillain-Barre Syndrome?
The cause
of Guillain-Barre Syndrome is unknown, but it appears that there is
an autoimmune (one's own immune system attacks the body) reaction.
What are symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome?
Symptoms of Guillain-Barre Syndrome include weakness, typically
beginning in the legs and progressing upward. The weakness is
accompanied by decreased feeling (paresthesia). Reflexes are lost,
for example, the hammer to the front of the knee will not induce a kick.
In severe cases breathing can be affected enough to require a
ventilator and rarely the heart can be affected. The maximal
degree of weakness usually occurs within the first 2-3 weeks.
How is Guillain-Barre Syndrome treated?
The
majority of patients can expect a slow but progressive recovery over
several months. In severe cases the primary concern is maintaining
vital functions and passively exercising the muscles. This sometimes
requires temporary artificial breathing machines for severely affected
patients.
Plasmapheresis is a method to remove toxic substances
from the blood and has been shown to improve outcome and shorten the
disease. Intravenous immunoglobulin is also beneficial.
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Last Editorial Review: 3/14/2008
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