New Delhi January 28: Guillain-Barre (gee-YAH-buh-RAY)syndrome is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the nerves which causes weakness, numbness or paralysis all of a sudden.
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 behind the ailment is yet to be studied. However, Guillain-Barre can be mostly caused by the Zika virus.
Guillain-Barre symptoms begins infections in one’s body that includes a respiratory or a gastrointestinal infection, including COVID-19.
There's no known cure for Guillain-Barre syndrome. Several treatment options can ease symptoms and help speed recovery. Most people recover completely from Guillain-Barre syndrome, but some serious illnesses can be fatal. While recovery may take up to several years, most people are able to walk again six months after symptoms first began. Some people may have lasting effects, such as weakness, numbness or fatigue.
Symptoms
Guillain-Barre syndrome often begins with tingling and weakness starting in the feet and legs and spreading to the upper body and arms. Some people notice the first symptoms in the arms or face. As Guillain-Barre syndrome progresses, muscle weakness can turn into paralysis.
Symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome may also include, a pins and needles feeling in the fingers, toes, ankles or wrists. Weakness in the legs that spreads to the upper body and unsteady walk or not being able to walk or climb stairs, mighty be someone’s problem.
Similarly, trouble with facial movements, including speaking, chewing or swallowing and double vision or inability to move the eyes may be the symptoms.
Otherwise, the Guillain-Barre syndrome may trigger,severe pain that may feel achy, shooting or cramplike and may be worse at night and trouble with bladder control or bowel function,rapid heart rate,low or high level blood pressure and trouble breathing.
People with Guillain-Barre syndrome usually experience their most significant weakness within two weeks after symptoms begin.
Types of Guillain-Barre syndrome
The symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome can vary based on the type. Guillain-Barre syndrome has several forms. The main types are,Acute Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP). It’s prevalent form of the Guillain-Barre syndrome in North America and Europe. The most common sign of AIDP is muscle weakness that starts in the lower part of the body and spreads upward.
They second type of the Guillain-Barre syndrome is termed as the Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS), in which paralysis starts in the eyes. MFS also is associated with an unsteady walk. MFS is less common in the U.S. but more common in Asia.
Next comes the Acute Motor Axonal neuropathy (AMAN) and acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) are less common in the US. But AMAN and AMSAN are more frequent in China, Japan and Mexico.
See your doctor if any of the symptoms develop in your body
Call your healthcare professional if you have mild tingling in your toes or fingers that doesn't seem to be spreading or getting worse.
However, rush to the hospital with utmost emergency medical help if you have tingling that started in your feet or toes and is now moving up your body, Tingling or weakness that's spreading quickly, trouble catching your breath or shortness of breath when lying flat or choking on saliva.
Guillain-Barre syndrome is a serious condition that requires immediate hospitalization because it can worsen quickly. The sooner treatment is started, the better the chance of a complete recovery from the fatal disease.
