Guillain barre syndrome

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a disease affected the nervous system. It is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction. This means it cause body's immune system to attack its own tissues. This disease starts when the immune system attacks and damages something called myelin. That’s a layer of insulation that surrounds nerves. It also helps nerves transmit their messages. Usually, weakness begins in both legs and moves up the body.

GBS damages the peripheral nervous system. That’s the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. They help the central nervous system communicate with the rest of your body, including the skin, heart, and muscles.

GBS often starts a few days or weeks after an infection like the cold or flu. People with this syndrome are hospitalized immediately because symptoms can worsen rapidly. Immune globulin given intravenously or plasma exchange speeds recovery.

Signs and symptoms

Guillain-Barre syndrome often begins with tingling and weakness starting in feet and legs and spreading to upper body and arms. In about half of people with the disorder, symptoms begin in the arms or face. As Guillain-Barre syndrome progresses, muscle weakness can evolve into paralysis.

Prickling, pins and needles sensations in your fingers, toes, ankles or wrists.

Weakness in legs that spreads to your upper body.

Unsteady walking or inability to walk or climb stairs.

Difficulty with eye or facial movements, including speaking, chewing or swallowing.

Severe pain that may feel achy or cramplike and may be worse at night.

Difficulty with bladder control or bowel function.

Rapid heart rate.

Low or high blood pressure.

Difficulty breathing.

Treatment

Medications are available to ease symptoms.

There are two types of treatment that can reduce the severity of symptoms and improve the rate of recovery:

Immunoglobulin therapy: Antibodies from donors are given intravenously (IV). This treatment seems to reduce the autoimmune response that occurs.

Plasma exchange, also known as plasmapheresis: Blood is taken from the body. The blood plasma is then separated from the blood cells. The blood cells are returned, and the body regenerates plasma. This process removes some of the antibodies attacking healthy cells.

AVA Rehabilitation Center is the only center in the state that provides coordinated wholistic care incorporating Modern Medicine with Ayurvedic Medicine.